Wiki Intraopertive X-ray

[HeidiLynn]

One of my Orhto Docs does an interpretation with the number of views in his op note. Images are saved. He is taking these to make sure hardware is in place, FX is aligned and is giving a full interpretation. Is this appropriate to use mod 26 on Xray ? I've found articles to back up both yes and no. thanks

 

[flipflop40@verizon.net]

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has stated that imaging should be separately billable if the surgeon documents a detailed radiographic interpretation in the note and the X-rays are saved in the patient’s medical record and are available to be printed on request.

However, if the surgeon merely documents: “X-rays were taken, looks good,” that would not support a separate charge for intraoperative imaging. The interpretation must include a detailed assessment of the specific musculoskeletal structures addressed during surgery and an assessment of the results.

Make sure to append the 26 modifier (professional component) to signal that the surgeon did the interpretation and not the technical component.