2025 CPT code 70328
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Temporomandibular Joint Imaging Radiology Feed
Radiologic examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), open and closed mouth; unilateral.
Modifiers 26 (professional component), 59 (distinct procedural service), TC (technical component), and others may apply depending on the circumstances of service.
Medical necessity for a unilateral TMJ x-ray is established when clinical findings (e.g., pain, limited jaw movement, clicking) suggest possible joint pathology that may be identified by this modality.The decision to perform a unilateral versus bilateral imaging should be clinically justifiable.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for ordering the imaging, interpreting the results, and providing appropriate medical management based on the findings.
In simple words: X-rays of one temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) are taken with your mouth open and closed to check for pain or clicking in the jaw.
This CPT code encompasses the radiologic examination of one temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the mouth in both open and closed positions.The procedure is indicated for patients presenting with TMJ arthralgia or abnormal clicking sounds during jaw movement, suggestive of articular disc disorders. The examination involves taking X-rays from one side of the TMJ in multiple projections.
Example 1: A patient presents with pain and clicking in the left TMJ.A unilateral TMJ x-ray (70328) is ordered to assess for joint pathology., A patient reports a history of trauma to the right side of the jaw and now experiences limited range of motion. A unilateral TMJ x-ray (70328) is ordered to rule out fracture or dislocation., A patient with suspected internal derangement of the left TMJ undergoes a unilateral x-ray (70328) to assess the articular disc position and integrity.
* Physician's order specifying unilateral TMJ x-ray.* Indication for the procedure (e.g., pain, clicking, trauma, suspected disc displacement).* Radiologist's report describing the findings.* Images of the examination.
** The number of views taken is not specified in the code description; a single code represents the examination with the mouth open and closed.CMS has established a Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) of 1 for this code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC may be appended if only the technical component of the service is performed.This is typically billed by the facility.
- Specialties:Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Dentistry
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center