2025 CPT code 73020
Radiologic examination, shoulder; 1 view
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) can be used with 73020 if only the physician's interpretation or only the technical aspect of the procedure is being billed, respectively. Modifier 52 is used for reduced services and can be applied if less than the complete one-view study was performed. 59 indicates that the service is distinct from another service. 76 and 77 are repeat procedure by the same or another physician respectively. 79 shows the procedure was done by same physician within the post-operative period. 80 indicates the presence of assistant surgeon and 82 indicates the presence of assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available).
Medical necessity for this procedure must be supported by the patient's clinical presentation, such as pain, limited range of motion, or suspected injury. The documentation should clearly link the X-ray to the patient's symptoms and the need for diagnostic imaging.
The radiologic technologist positions the patient and operates the X-ray equipment. The physician interprets the X-ray images. The radiologic technologist performs this procedure. Only one view X–ray of shoulder is performed in this procedure. During the procedure, the arm is put into a stable position. Depending on the site of injury or damage, the technician performs the X–ray from different views and positions (AP, lateral, frontal, transverse, cross table, standing, swimmer, etc.). X–rays of the extremities are performed to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities. Extremity X–rays include the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, hip, leg, shoulder, or knee. X–rays of the affected site focus on the specific area that is injured or damaged. Sometimes X–rays of the unaffected sites are also taken for comparison with the affected site.
In simple words: This is a simple X-ray of your shoulder taken from one angle. It helps doctors see if there are any problems with your shoulder bones.
This code represents a single-view X-ray of the shoulder. It is used for the evaluation of the shoulder joint, including the humerus, scapula, and clavicle. The procedure involves positioning the patient's arm for optimal visualization of the targeted area and capturing a radiographic image from one specific angle.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with shoulder pain after a fall. A single-view X-ray (73020) is performed to assess for fractures., A patient with chronic shoulder pain undergoes a single-view X-ray (73020) to assess the degree of arthritis in the glenohumeral joint., A patient experiences limited range of motion in their shoulder. A single view X-ray (73020) is ordered to evaluate for any bony abnormalities or soft tissue calcifications that may be contributing to the restricted movement.
Documentation should include the reason for the X-ray, the patient's symptoms, the specific view obtained, and the interpretation of the image by the radiologist.
** For a complete X-ray of the shoulder with at least two views, use code 73030.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable if only the technical component of the procedure is being billed.
- Specialties:Radiology, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Mobile Unit