Query: Billing X-Ray Studies of the Feet
When billing for x-ray studies of the feet, CPT
73620 and CPT 73630, we have always understood
that at least 2 views needed to be taken on one
foot to bill CPT 73620, and at least 3 views on
one foot to bill CPT 73630.
I recently read something from the Coding
Institute that related to taking only one view on
one foot, or even the same view on both feet, and
billing one unit of CPT 73620. Is that correct?
Teena Gabbard, Office Manager
Riverside Podiatry Clinic, Inc.
Marion, IN
Codingline Response: To me, the descriptors found
in CPT are quite clear:
CPT 73620 - radiologic examination, foot; two
views
CPT 72630 radiologic examination, foot; complete,
mininum three views
The fact that the codes are defined by CPT to
require a minimum number of views to be valid
makes it mandatory, and not subject to
interpretation.
I would question anyone that says otherwise,
requesting the source for their statement.
As an aside, the fact that CPT denotes the
radiology foot study codes to represent "foot"
and not "feet" reinforces the position that views
taken of both feet are not cumulative to satisfy
a single code.
Paul Kinberg, D.P.M.
Dallas, TX
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