Radiology Coding Alert

Question: The descriptor for 73050 says, "with or without weighted distraction." If documentation shows the study with and without weights, should I report 73050 twice? Do I need a modifier?

Iowa Subscriber

Answer: Report only one unit of 73050 (Radiologic examination; acromioclavicular joints, bilateral, with or without weighted distraction) even for films with and without weights.

Because you report only one unit, you don't need to use a modifier.

You do need to make sure that the documentation matches the code's requirement for a bilateral study. If the study wasn't bilateral, be sure you append modifier 52 (Reduced services) to indicate the reduced service.