Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Tackle Upper and Lower Extremity X-Rays

Published on Tue Jun 05, 2012

Question: In a single session, we performed standing AP, lateral, and tangential views of the left knee and 2 views of the right elbow. For the knee, the documentation shows "left knee pain" that "may be due to patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis or Baker's cyst ... may have ACL deficit knee." The elbow exam shows "right elbow joint osteoarthritis" and "right cubital tunnel syndrome." How should we code these X-rays?North Carolina SubscriberAnswer: For the standing AP, lateral, and tangential knee views, you should report 73562 (Radiologic examination, knee; 3 views). You also may need to append modifier LT (Left side) to 73562, depending on payer policy.AP is short for anteroposterior, which is a front view of the knee. A lateral view images the side of the knee. There are a variety of techniques for getting a tangential view, but the goal is to produce an image similar to the sun (the [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All