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The CPT® Code 70240 refers to a radiologic examination specifically targeting the sella turcica, which is a critical anatomical structure located in the middle of the skull base. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the upper surface of the sphenoid bone, serving as the housing for the pituitary gland. This examination utilizes 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 in visualizing non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions of these materials. As X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed while others continue through and are captured on a detector, resulting in a two-dimensional image that reveals the anatomical details of the sella turcica. The physician carefully reviews these images to identify any pathological changes or abnormalities within this region, which may indicate various medical conditions affecting the pituitary gland or surrounding structures.
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The radiologic examination of the sella turcica is indicated for several clinical scenarios where assessment of the pituitary gland and surrounding structures is necessary. This examination may be performed in the following situations:
The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination of the sella turcica involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a radiologic examination of the sella turcica is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not require any recovery time. Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately following the examination. However, the physician may provide specific instructions based on the individual patient's condition or any additional procedures that may be required. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the examination and any further diagnostic or treatment options that may be necessary based on the findings.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM PITUITARY SADDLE | Medium Descr | RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION SELLA TURCICA | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, sella turcica | 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. | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left 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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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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