Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How should I report an X-ray of the shoulder? Also, if the orthopedist performs X-rays on both shoulders, how would I report the encounter?

Oregon Subscriber

Answer: Reporting an X-ray of the shoulder is fairly straightforward. You’ll choose from one of the following codes for the service:

• 73020 (Radiologic examination, shoulder; 1 view)
• 73030 (… complete, minimum of 2 views).

Also, you might need to append modifier LT (Left side) or RT (Right side) to the X-ray code to indicate laterality, if the payer requires it.

Both sides: Use modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) to show that you are reporting X-rays to both shoulders. So, if the provider performs two-view X-rays on both of a patient’s shoulders, you should report 73030 with modifier 50 appended.