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The CPT® Code 70160 refers to a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure that requires a complete set of images, specifically a minimum of three views. The nasal bones are two small, oblong structures that are fused at the midline, forming the upper part of the nose's bridge. This examination is crucial for assessing the integrity and condition of the nasal bones and surrounding structures. During the imaging process, additional anatomical components are also visualized, including the vomer, which is a triangular bone that contributes to the lower section of the nasal septum, and the nasal septum itself, primarily made of cartilage. The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and various facial bones adjacent to the nose are also included in the imaging field. The procedure can be performed with the patient either standing or in a semi-prone position, allowing for optimal visualization of the nasal structures. The standard views obtained during this examination include right and left lateral images, which are essential for demonstrating the bridge of the nose, the anterior nasal spine of the maxilla, and the frontonasal suture. Additionally, a Waters view, also known as the parietoacanthial or occipitomental view, is captured to provide a comprehensive view of the orbits, maxillae, zygomatic arches, dorsal pyramid, lateral nasal walls, and the septum. If necessary, further views may be taken to ensure a thorough evaluation. After the images are captured, a physician reviews the radiographs to identify any abnormalities, such as traumatic injuries, bony projections or growths, or other signs of disease, and subsequently provides a written report detailing the findings of the examination.
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The radiologic examination of the nasal bones, coded as CPT® 70160, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the nasal structure is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for a complete radiologic examination of the nasal bones involves several key steps to ensure comprehensive imaging. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a radiologic examination of the nasal bones is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not typically require recovery time. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the examination. However, it is important for the physician to communicate the results of the imaging study to the patient, discussing any findings that may require further evaluation or intervention. If any abnormalities are detected, the physician may recommend additional diagnostic tests or treatment options based on the findings reported.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF NASAL BONES | Medium Descr | RADEX NASAL BONES COMPLETE MINIMUM 3 VIEWS | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, nasal bones, complete, minimum of 3 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 | 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. | 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 | 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 | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | 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. | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient 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 | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | 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) | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | 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 |
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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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