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The CPT® Code 70120 refers to a radiologic examination of the mastoids, which are the bony structures located directly behind the ears. These mastoids play a crucial role in housing the middle and inner ear components. The examination involves the use of X-ray imaging, a technique that employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective for imaging non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions present. This differential absorption of X-rays allows for the creation of a two-dimensional image, capturing the details of the structures within the mastoids. The specific code 70120 is applicable when fewer than three distinct X-ray images are obtained for each side of the mastoids. In contrast, for a more comprehensive examination that necessitates at least three different views per side, the CPT® Code 70130 should be utilized. The physician's review of the resulting radiographs is essential for identifying any pathological changes, such as those caused by chronic infections, that may affect the honeycomb-like bony architecture of the mastoids.
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The radiologic examination of the mastoids, coded as CPT® 70120, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the mastoid structures is necessary. These indications may include:
The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination of the mastoids involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
Following the radiologic examination of the mastoids, the patient may be advised on any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. Typically, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements, as the examination is non-invasive and does not involve any recovery time. However, the physician may discuss the results with the patient and recommend further evaluation or treatment if any abnormalities are detected in the imaging. It is important for the patient to follow up with their healthcare provider to address any ongoing symptoms or concerns related to their ear health.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF MASTOIDS | Medium Descr | RADIOLOGIC EXAM MASTOIDS < 3 VIEWS PER SIDE | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, mastoids; less than 3 views per side | 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) | 3 - The usual 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 | 1 | 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. | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | 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) | 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 | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 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 |
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| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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