2025 CPT code 70240
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology Procedures Radiology Feed
Radiologic examination of the sella turcica.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may apply depending on the billing entity (physician or facility).
Medical necessity for a radiologic examination of the sella turcica is established when clinical suspicion exists for a pituitary adenoma or other sellar pathology. Symptoms such as headache, visual field defects, hormonal imbalances, or signs of bone erosion in the sella turcica may warrant this examination. The imaging results help guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
The radiologist is responsible for performing the X-ray procedure and interpreting the resulting images to provide a diagnostic report. The referring physician orders the test based on clinical suspicion and uses the radiologist's report to inform patient care decisions.
In simple words: X-rays of the sella turcica (the bony part of the skull that holds the pituitary gland) are taken to check for tumors or other problems with the pituitary gland.
This CPT code encompasses the radiologic examination of the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone housing the pituitary gland.The procedure typically involves obtaining anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-ray views to assess the pituitary gland for potential tumors or other pathologies. The radiologist analyzes the images to evaluate the size, shape, and integrity of the sella turcica and identify any abnormalities.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a pituitary adenoma (e.g., headache, visual disturbances, hormonal imbalances).The referring physician orders a radiologic examination of the sella turcica to assess for the presence of a mass lesion., A patient with known acromegaly (excessive growth hormone production) undergoes regular monitoring of the sella turcica size to assess for the response to treatment., A patient presents with unexplained hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels).Radiologic imaging of the sella turcica helps assess for a potential prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting tumor).
** Plain radiography of the sella turcica is generally considered a less sensitive and specific technique compared to CT or MRI for evaluating pituitary pathology. The use of this code should be based on clinical judgment and consideration of the limitations of the modality.Always consult your local fee schedule and payer guidelines for billing purposes.
- Revenue Code: I1B (STANDARD IMAGING - MUSCULOSKELETAL)
- RVU: Data not provided. RVUs vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors. Consult your local fee schedule.
- Global Days : Not applicable to this diagnostic imaging code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier is used when only the technical component of the procedure is billed (typically by the facility).
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedule data is not provided in the dataset.Consult your local fee schedule for historical and current payment rates.
- Specialties:Endocrinology, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center