2025 CPT code 71120
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Radiologic Examination Musculoskeletal System Feed
Radiologic examination of the sternum; minimum of two views.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) are applicable depending on who performs which portion of the service. Other modifiers might apply based on individual circumstances (e.g., 52, 76, 77).
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a clinical indication, such as chest pain, suspected sternal injury or infection, follow-up after sternotomy, or other conditions requiring evaluation of the sternum.
The clinical responsibility lies with the radiologist who interprets the images and generates a report.The technician is responsible for the technical aspects of the X-ray procedure (positioning, image acquisition).
In simple words: This is an X-ray exam of your breastbone (sternum) to check for problems.The doctor will take at least two pictures from different angles to get a good look at the bone.
This diagnostic procedure involves a radiological study of the sternum (breastbone) using X-rays, with a minimum of two views obtained to identify potential issues related to the sternum.The patient is positioned prone on a table, head turned to the left, left arm around the head, and right arm alongside the body. The patient is rotated approximately ten degrees to the right to optimally project the sternum.The X-ray tube is centered on the sternum, and the patient holds their breath briefly for image clarity.Typically, anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) views are obtained. Dense structures like bone appear white, while softer tissues appear darker on the resulting image.
Example 1: A patient presents with chest pain localized to the sternum.A two-view X-ray of the sternum is ordered to rule out fracture or other bony abnormalities., A patient has undergone a previous sternotomy (surgical opening of the sternum) and follow-up imaging is required to assess the healing process.A two-view X-ray of the sternum is performed to evaluate bone integrity., A patient presents with a suspected sternal infection (osteomyelitis).Two-view X-rays of the sternum are used to assess for bone destruction or other radiographic signs of infection.
* Patient demographics* Reason for examination (clinical indication)* X-ray images (minimum two views - AP and PA)* Radiologist's interpretation report including specific findings* Date and time of the procedure
** This code describes a basic two-view X-ray exam.Additional views or special imaging techniques may require separate coding.
- Revenue Code: I1B (Standard Imaging - Musculoskeletal)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC applies if only the technical component of the service (image acquisition) is billed separately.
- Specialties:Radiology, Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center