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The CPT® Code 70130 refers to a complete 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 taking a minimum of three X-ray views per side to ensure a comprehensive assessment. X-ray imaging utilizes indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. This imaging technique is particularly effective on non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions present. As X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed while others are transmitted, allowing for the capture of images on a detector, resulting in a two-dimensional representation of the anatomical structures. It is important to note that if fewer than three distinct X-ray images are obtained for each side, the appropriate code to report would be 70120. The primary purpose of the complete examination coded as 70130 is to enable the physician to evaluate the radiographs for any pathological changes, such as 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® 70130, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the mastoid structures is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for a complete radiologic examination of the mastoids involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a radiologic examination of the mastoids is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not require recovery time. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the examination. However, the physician may provide specific instructions based on the findings from the radiographs. If any abnormalities are detected, further evaluation or treatment may be recommended, which could include additional imaging studies or referrals to specialists for management of the identified conditions.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF MASTOIDS | Medium Descr | RADEX MASTOIDS COMPL MINIMUM 3 VIEWS PR SIDE | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, mastoids; complete, minimum of 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. | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | 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 | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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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