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Radiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Should We Append -52 to DEXA?

Published on Sat Aug 07, 2004

Question: We performed a DEXA scan on a patient's lateral spine, left hip and right hip. Should we report 76075-52?

Hawaii Subscriber

Answer: You are on the right track - you should report 76075 (Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA], bone density study, one or more sites; axial skeleton [e.g., hips, pelvis, spine]) for the DEXA scan, but you shouldn't append modifier -52 (Reduced services) to the code.
 
Because 76075's descriptor refers to "one or more sites," you should report one unit of 76075 regardless of how many sites you scan. Not only will you be coding more correctly but you may optimize your reimbursement, because payers usually ask you to reduce your fee if you append modifier -52.
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