What is CPT Code 73110? CPT code lookup

CPT code 73110 is a commonly used medical billing code in diagnostic radiology. It plays a significant role in documenting and billing for X-ray examinations of the hand and wrist. Understanding this code is essential for healthcare providers, radiologists, coders, and billing professionals to ensure accurate reimbursement and avoid claim denials.

In this article, we’ll explain what CPT 73110 code covers, when it should be used, how it differs from similar codes, and key billing considerations. Whether you’re a medical billing specialist or simply trying to better understand your medical bill, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this code.

What Does CPT Code 73110 Represent?

CPT code 73110 is defined as:

Radiologic examination, wrist; complete, minimum of three views.

This code is part of the CPT coding system, maintained by the AMA, and is used to bill for a comprehensive wrist X-ray that includes at least three views.

What Views Are Typically Included?

A complete wrist X-ray with CPT 73110 generally includes the following views:

• Posteroanterior (PA)
• Lateral
• Oblique

These views help radiologists evaluate the wrist bones, joints, and soft tissues in detail. Additional views may be taken based on the clinical need, but the minimum required to bill this code is three distinct images.

When Is CPT Code 73110 Used?

It is used when a physician orders a full radiologic evaluation of the wrist. This typically occurs when a patient presents with:

• Wrist pain or swelling
• Suspected fracture or dislocation
• Reduced range of motion
• Arthritis or degenerative changes
• Post-operative follow-up
• Injury due to trauma or overuse

The complete wrist X-ray helps in diagnosing fractures, bone lesions, joint abnormalities, or foreign bodies within the wrist area.

How Does CPT 73110 Differ from Related Codes?

Understanding the difference between this code and other radiologic wrist or hand codes is important for proper coding and billing.

Comparison with Similar CPT Codes:

Key Difference:
Use it only when the radiology exam includes three or more views of the wrist. If fewer views are taken, CPT code 73100 should be used instead.

Modifiers Commonly Used with CPT 73110

In some billing scenarios, modifiers may be required to describe the service more accurately or to comply with payer rules.

Common Modifiers:

• Modifier 26 (Professional Component)
  Use this when the physician is only interpreting the X-ray and not providing the technical imaging service.
• Modifier TC (Technical Component)
  Indicates that only the technical aspect (equipment, technician, facility) of the X-ray was provided.
• Global Service (No Modifier)
  If the same provider or facility performs both the technical and professional portions, no modifier is needed.

Correct use of modifiers helps ensure clean claims and proper payment allocation between professional and technical components.

Reimbursement and Billing Guidelines

It is reimbursed under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and commercial payer fee schedules, based on the provider’s contract and geographic location.

Documentation Requirements:

To support billing of CPT 73110, the following must be documented:

• Medical necessity (e.g., wrist pain, injury, or swelling)
• Number and type of views taken
• Interpretation and report by a qualified provider
• Date and time of service
• Ordering provider’s information

Incomplete documentation may result in claim denials or downcoding by payers.

ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes That Support CPT 73110

To receive reimbursement for this CPT code, an appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnosis code must be linked to the service. Commonly used diagnosis codes include:

• S62.101A – Unspecified fracture of right wrist, initial encounter
• M19.031 – Primary osteoarthritis, right wrist
• R22.43 – Localized swelling, mass, and lump, wrist
• S69.91XA – Unspecified injury of wrist, initial encounter
• M25.531 – Pain in right wrist

Coders should ensure the diagnosis code matches the clinical scenario and documentation to avoid rejections.

Best Practices for Medical Coders and Billers

Here are some practical tips to correctly code and bill for CPT 73110:

• Verify Medical Necessity: Always ensure the wrist X-ray is supported by a valid clinical reason.
• Count the Views: Confirm that at least three views were taken to meet the complete study criteria.
• Apply Modifiers Accurately: Use modifier 26 or TC when billing separately for professional or technical services.
• Double-check Documentation: Ensure all required details are included in the radiology report and medical record.
• Avoid Upcoding: Never use it if only two views are performed — use 73100 instead.

Final Thoughts

CPT code 73110 is a vital part of radiologic services for wrist evaluation. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, chronic wrist pain, or follow-up care, accurate coding of this procedure ensures correct billing and timely reimbursement.

For medical billing professionals, understanding when and how to use it along with its associated modifiers, documentation requirements, and related codes — is essential for maintaining compliance and optimizing revenue cycle performance.

By applying coding best practices and staying informed about current guidelines, healthcare providers and coders can ensure accurate billing and deliver better care outcomes for patients.