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Official Description

Radiologic examination, mandible; partial, less than 4 views

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 70100 refers to a radiologic examination of the mandible, specifically a partial examination that includes less than four views. This procedure involves obtaining plain films, which are two-dimensional images that capture the anatomical structures of the lower jaw, known as the mandible. The selection of views during this examination is tailored to the specific condition being assessed, as various diseases and injuries affecting the jaw can also impact the teeth and their roots. For instance, a dental periapical view is utilized to provide detailed imaging of the teeth and their roots, while a dental occlusal view is particularly useful for evaluating fractures and determining vertical displacement of the mandible. Additionally, a Caldwell or coronal view is employed to assess any horizontal displacement of the mandible. Oblique views are important for examining the ramus angle and the posterior body of the mandible, whereas the Towne view focuses on the condylar and subcondylar regions. It is essential to use 70100 for a partial radiologic examination of the mandible, which is defined as having less than four views. In contrast, for a complete radiologic examination that includes a minimum of four views, the appropriate code is 70110. Following the imaging, the physician reviews the radiographs to identify any abnormalities, such as traumatic injuries, bony projections or growths, and other signs of disease, and subsequently provides a written report detailing the findings.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radiologic examination of the mandible using CPT® Code 70100 is indicated for various conditions and symptoms that may affect the lower jaw. These indications include:

  • Traumatic Injuries: Assessment of fractures or dislocations resulting from accidents or impacts.
  • Dental Issues: Evaluation of conditions affecting the teeth and their roots, such as infections or abscesses.
  • Bone Abnormalities: Identification of bony projections, growths, or lesions that may indicate underlying disease.
  • Displacement Assessment: Determining vertical or horizontal displacement of the mandible due to trauma or other factors.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a partial radiologic examination of the mandible involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately to ensure optimal imaging of the mandible. This may involve adjusting the head and neck to align with the imaging equipment.
  • Step 2: Selection of Views The radiologic technologist selects the specific views to be obtained based on the clinical indications. This may include a combination of periapical, occlusal, Caldwell, oblique, and Towne views, ensuring that less than four views are captured for this partial examination.
  • Step 3: Image Acquisition The selected views are obtained using radiographic equipment. The technologist ensures that the images are clear and of high quality, which is crucial for accurate interpretation.
  • Step 4: Image Review Once the images are captured, the physician reviews the radiographs for any abnormalities. This includes looking for signs of trauma, bony growths, or other pathological conditions.
  • Step 5: Reporting After the review, the physician compiles a written report detailing the findings from the radiologic examination, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the patient typically involves providing them with the results of the examination and any necessary follow-up instructions. The physician may discuss the findings outlined in the written report, including any identified abnormalities and potential next steps for treatment or further diagnostic imaging. Patients may be advised to monitor for any symptoms that could indicate complications, such as increased pain or swelling in the jaw area. Additionally, if further imaging or intervention is required, the physician will provide appropriate referrals or recommendations.

Short Descr X-RAY EXAM OF JAW <4VIEWS
Medium Descr RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION MANDIPLE PRTL <4 VIEWS
Long Descr Radiologic examination, mandible; partial, less than 4 views
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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) 0 - 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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
FY X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
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
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F7 Right hand, third digit
FX X-ray taken using film
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
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2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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