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An injection procedure for sialography, designated by CPT® Code 42550, involves the administration of a contrast agent into the salivary ducts to visualize their structure and function through imaging techniques. This procedure is primarily utilized to assess the salivary glands and ducts for abnormalities, such as blockages or stones. The process begins with the evaluation of the salivary duct system through x-rays, which are performed prior to the injection to identify any existing obstructions, such as calculi. If no stones are found, a small catheter is carefully inserted into the salivary duct, allowing for the introduction of contrast media. This contrast agent enhances the visibility of the ductal system during imaging. The flow of the contrast is then monitored using radiographic techniques to ensure proper distribution and to identify any potential issues within the salivary glands. Additionally, to further stimulate saliva production and enhance the imaging process, a sour liquid, such as lemon juice, may be administered orally to the patient. This step can help in obtaining clearer images of the salivary ducts as additional radiographs are taken to capture the dynamics of saliva flow and any potential obstructions that may not have been visible initially.
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The injection procedure for sialography is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions affecting the salivary glands and ducts. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:
The injection procedure for sialography involves several key steps that are crucial for accurate diagnosis and imaging. The following procedural steps are performed:
After the injection procedure for sialography, patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the contrast media. It is important to observe for any signs of discomfort or adverse effects. Patients are typically advised to hydrate adequately following the procedure to help flush the contrast media from their system. Additionally, any specific post-procedure care instructions provided by the healthcare provider should be followed to ensure optimal recovery and to address any potential complications. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the imaging and any further necessary interventions based on the findings.
| Short Descr | INJECTION FOR SALIVARY X-RAY | Medium Descr | INJECTION PROCEDURE SIALOGRAPHY | Long Descr | Injection procedure for sialography | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1F - Standard imaging - other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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