Radiology Coding Alert

Question: We received a radiology report where the provider captured bilateral hip X-rays and an X-ray of the patient’s pelvis. The report lists anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views of the right hip, AP and lateral views of the left hip, and a pelvis view.

Does the pelvis view count toward the total number of views?

New York Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you will count the pelvis X-ray view toward the total number of views for the procedure. In the example you cite, you’ll look for a five-view X-ray code due to the AP and lateral views of the right hip, AP and lateral views of the left hip, and the pelvis view. Therefore, you’ll assign 73523 (Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed; minimum of 5 views) to report the procedure.

The term “bilateral” in the descriptor can cause confusion among medical personnel regarding the number of views. Select staff can argue that AP and lateral views of each hip would fall under a two-view study, while others contend that bilateral means you’ll count each view for each hip — meaning a four-view study.

Alternatively, 73501-73503 (Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed …) feature “unilateral” in their descriptors and are also separated by the number of views captured.