Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our orthopedist performed bilateral hip arthrograms under anesthesia. Should I report 27095 and 73525 for each hip?

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: Yes. Depending on your carrier, you should report either 27095-50 (Injection procedure for hip arthrography; with anesthesia; Bilateral procedure) or 27095-LT (Left side) and 27095-RT (Right side) for the bilateral arthrography.

Code 73525 (Radiologic examination, hip, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation) refers to a single hip, not both hips, so you can report it using the bilateral modifiers and receive additional reimbursement for your radiological supervision and interpretation for both hips. As with 27095, determine whether your payer prefers modifier -50 or the -LT and -RT modifiers before submitting your bilateral claims for 73525.