2025 CPT code 71048
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Chest X-Ray Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Chest Feed
Radiologic examination of the chest involving four or more views.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate, depending on the provider's role and payer policies.Other modifiers may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the service.
The medical necessity for a chest X-ray (71048) is determined by the patient's symptoms, clinical history, and the physician's assessment.The use of multiple views is often medically necessary for a thorough evaluation.
The physician is responsible for positioning the patient, operating the X-ray machine, and interpreting the images to diagnose any abnormalities or conditions.
- Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Chest
- Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Chest
In simple words: This is a chest X-ray that takes at least four pictures from different angles to check for problems in your lungs, heart, and other parts of your chest. The doctor positions you so the X-ray machine can get clear pictures. The pictures show bones as white and softer parts as darker shades.Different pictures are taken to best see what is going on.
This diagnostic procedure involves a radiological examination of the chest using a minimum of four views to assess conditions affecting the chest, its contents, and nearby structures.The provider positions the patient to ensure clear imaging.X-rays are taken, and the images are recorded digitally or on film. Dense structures like bones appear white, while softer tissues appear darker. Views may include anteroposterior, posteroanterior, lateral, oblique, decubitus, lordotic, and expiratory views as clinically indicated.
Example 1: A patient presents with a cough and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray (71048) is ordered to rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions. Multiple views are necessary to fully visualize the lungs and surrounding structures., A patient experiences chest pain following a motor vehicle accident.A chest X-ray (71048) is used to identify potential fractures, pneumothorax, or other injuries.Multiple views are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation., A patient has a history of lung cancer and undergoes routine monitoring. A chest X-ray (71048) with multiple views is performed to detect any changes or recurrence of the cancer.The additional views provide a more thorough assessment.
The medical record must contain the patient's clinical indication for the X-ray, the number of views obtained, and the radiologist's interpretation report.If any modifiers are applied, documentation must support the use of those modifiers.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information on coding and reimbursement for this procedure.
- Revenue Code: I1A (STANDARD IMAGING - CHEST)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text. Consult a current fee schedule for the most up-to-date Relative Value Units (RVUs).
- Global Days : Not applicable. This is a diagnostic procedure, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is appropriate when only the technical component of the service is performed, often by hospital staff. However, payer policies vary.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary by payer and location. Consult relevant fee schedules for historical and current data.
- Specialties:Radiology, Pulmonary Medicine, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center