Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed rib X-rays for a patient. The service occurred at a local hospital using X-ray equipment that the facility owned. Is there a single code for this service?

Oklahoma Subscriber

Answer: No, there are four codes to choose from for the encounter you describe — and you’ll need some more information before choosing any of them for your provider’s service.

Question 1 — Laterality: Did the provider perform rib X-rays on both sides or only on one side? It matters if the service was unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (two-sided).

Question 2 — Views: How many views did the provider take, and did it involve the posteroanterior chest?

Once you’ve got that info, choose from one of these codes:

• 71100 (Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; 2 views)
• 71101 (… including posteroanterior chest, minimum of 3 views)
• 71110 (Radiologic examination, ribs, bilateral; 3 views)
• 71111 (… including posteroanterior chest, minimum of 4 views)

Also: Since the provider used the hospital’s X-ray equipment, you must append modifier 26 (Professional component) to the X-ray code. This shows the payer that you are only coding for your portion of the X-ray service. Reporting this service requires the doctor to dictate a radiologic interpretation report.