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Basics about X ray Chest Cpt Code 71045-71048

X rays are the most frequently coded charts in the profession of medical coding. As we know, the most commonly coded x rays are chest x rays. Chest x rays have different CPT codes depending on the number of views. Their are new CPT codes for Chest X-ray in 2018, old codes are deleted now. Cpt Code for chest x ray single view( 71010 cr chest ap)frontal and lateral has two-view CPT code 71020 (deleted in 2018). When there is one view of chest, CPT code for chest x ray single view frontal will be 71010 (deleted in 2018). These two codes are very frequently used in radiology medical coding. In addition, when they are done together we have to code the lower RVU cpt with 59 modifier. The new changes allow chest x-rays to finally catch up to a number of their fellow x-ray codes when it comes to simplifying the number of views being reported. New Chest X ray CPT codes are 71045, 71046, 71047 & 71048.

Deleted X ray Chest CPT code

71010 – Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontal

71020 – Radiologic examination, chest, 2 views, frontal and lateral;

New CPT codes for Chest X ray 2019

71045 Radiologic examination, chest; single view
71046 Radiologic examination, chest; 2 views
71047 Radiologic examination, chest; 3 views
71048 Radiologic examination, chest; 4 or more views

Use 26 modifier for Physician coding.

Checkout the latest new CPT codes for Chest and abdomen X-ray in 2018 for medical coders

CPT 74000 code for abdominal x ray single view

We have combine CPT codes of abdomen with chest x ray. Here as well, codes are similar to CPT code 71020 and 71010. Abdomen x rays have three very common CPT Codes used in coding. There is different CPT code for one view of abdomen, two views of abdomen and combine CPT Code with one view of chest X ray. We have new CPT codes for abdomen X-ray in 2018. Below are the CPT codes for abdomen X ray

74000 (deleted in 2018) CPT code for one view of abdomen

74020 (deleted in 2018)- Supine and erect studies of abdomen

New codes

74018 Radiologic examination, abdomen; 1 view
74019 2 views
74021 3 or more views
74022 Radiologic examination, complete acute abdomen series, including 2 or more views of the abdomen (eg, supine, erect, decubitus), and a single view chest

Related codes than x ray Chest CPT code

There are CPT codes for special view of chest x ray. When x ray of chest is taken is lateral, decubitus position we have CPT code 71035. Sometimes we get charts with inspiration and expiration view of chest x ray. Many coders get confused how to code this both views. The inspiration is coded as one view of chest 71010 and the expiration view of chest is considered is as special view 71035. Hence, the two codes for inspiration and expiration view will be 71010 and 71035 respectively.

Rarely used CPT codes of chest x ray

There are other cpt codes used rarely in radiology medical coding. Below are the remaining cpt codes used along with Cpt Code 71010 cr chest ap x ray codes.

71030- Chest complete minimum 4 views

71034- Chest complete with fluoroscopy

71021- Chest two views with Lordotic procedure

Different Views of Chest x-ray used in Radiology coding

Chest x-rays are taken on different position of patient to examine every part of the chest. This is acheived by taking different views by changing the position of patient during taking x-ray. Below are few of them.

PA (posterioranterior) – The view is from back to front, patient will be in standing position showing the back to the x-ray machine for taking X-ray.

AP (anteriorposterior) – The view is from front to back, this is opposite to PA view, here the patient will be supine positon, facing to the X-ray machine.

Decubitus – in this patient is lying down and the projection is made with the patient lying on their side and the x-ray beam horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

Expiratory – this view can be taken in PA or AP position, it helps to detect pneumothoraces.

Oblique – in the view, the patient position may be erect or supine with their right or left posterior side closest to the image receptor, the patient’s arm closest to the receptor is raised and placed on their head, with the other on their hip.

Other list of Radiology X-ray CPT code with 71020 and 71010

70030 – X-Ray eye for foreign body

70110 – X-Ray jaw complete

70130 – X-Ray mastoids complete

70150 – X-Ray facial bones complete

70160 – X-Ray nasal bones

70200 – X-Ray orbits complete

70220 – X-Ray sinuses complete

70240 – X-Ray sellaturcica

70260 – X-Ray skull complete

70328 – X-Ray jaw joint unilateral

70330 – X-Ray jaw joint bilateral

70360 – X-Ray neck soft tissue

71010 – Chest X-Ray 1 view

71020 – Chest X-Ray 2 view

71030 – Chest X-Ray complete 4 view

71034 – Chest X-Ray and fluoroscopy

71035 – Chest X-Ray special views e.g. Bucky/Decub

71101 – X-Ray ribs/chest unilateral 3 view

71111– X-Ray ribs/chest bilateral 4 view

71120 – X-Ray sternum 3 view

72082 Radiologic examination, spine, entire thoracic and lumbar, including skull, cervical and sacral spine if performed (e.g., scoliosis evaluation); 2 or 3 views

72020 – X-Ray spine , single view, specify level

For a single view that includes the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, use 72081

72040 – X-Ray neck spine 2 or 3 view

72050 – X-Ray neck spine 4 view

72052 – X-Ray neck spine with flex &ext

72081 Radiologic examination, spine, entire thoracic and lumbar, including skull, cervical and sacral spine if performed (e.g., scoliosis evaluation); one view

72082 ; 2 or 3 views

72083 ; 4 or 5 views

72084 ; minimum of 6 views

72070 – X-Ray thoracic spine 2 view

72072 – X-Ray thoracic spine 3 view

72074 – X-Ray thoracic spine 4 view

72080 – X-Ray thoracolumbar junction, minimum of 2 views (revised description in bold font) should include examination of the thoracolumbar junction*

73501 Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 1 view

73502 Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 2-3 views

73503 ; minimum of 4 views

73521 Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed; 2 views

73522 ; 3-4 views

73523 ; minimum of 5 views

73501 Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 1 view

73502 ; 2-3 views

73503 ; minimum of 4 views

73551 Radiologic examination, femur; 1 view

73552 ; minimum 2 views

Hope, now you would have able to differentiate between Cpt Code 71010 cr chest ap, 71020 and CPT 74000 for chest and abdominal x ray. Do share your thoughts in the comment section.

X ray Chest Cpt Code Coding guide for Coders