2025 CPT code 71046
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Chest Radiology Procedures Feed
Radiologic examination of the chest; two views.
Modifiers 26, TC, and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the service.Refer to the CPT manual and payer specific guidelines.
Medical necessity for a chest X-ray (71046) is established when there is a clinical indication, such as symptoms suggesting a pulmonary or cardiac condition (e.g., cough, dyspnea, chest pain), suspected trauma, or pre-operative assessment. The ordering physician must document the clinical justification.
The physician is responsible for positioning the patient, ensuring proper image acquisition, and interpreting the resulting radiographic images to generate a report that aids in the patient's diagnosis.
In simple words: This is a chest X-ray where the doctor takes at least two pictures of your chest from different angles to check for problems with your lungs, heart, or other organs in your chest area.
This diagnostic procedure involves a radiologic examination of the chest, encompassing a minimum of two views.These views are typically anteroposterior (front to back) and posteroanterior (back to front), but may include lateral, oblique, or other views depending on clinical need. The purpose is to assess conditions affecting the chest, its contents (heart, lungs, blood vessels), and adjacent structures. The images are obtained using an X-ray machine, which produces images where denser tissues appear whiter and less dense tissues appear darker.The radiologist interprets the images to provide a diagnosis.
Example 1: A patient presents with a cough and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray (71046) is ordered to evaluate for pneumonia or other lung pathologies., A patient has experienced chest trauma. A chest X-ray (71046) is performed to assess for rib fractures, pneumothorax, or other injuries., A routine pre-operative chest X-ray (71046) is performed on a patient scheduled for cardiac surgery to evaluate cardiac silhouette and pulmonary status.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history* Indication for the procedure (clinical reason for the X-ray)* Images of the chest X-ray* Radiologist's interpretation report* Any relevant findings and differential diagnoses
** Specific views obtained should be documented.The interpretation report should include all findings and should be comprehensive.
- Revenue Code: I1A (STANDARD IMAGING - CHEST)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) may apply when the technical component of the service (image acquisition) is performed by a facility and billed separately from the professional component (interpretation) performed by a physician.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility