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Official Description

Radiologic examination, teeth; single view

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 70300 refers to a radiologic examination of the teeth, specifically a single view. This procedure involves the use of various types of dental x-rays to assess the condition of the teeth and surrounding structures. A common type of x-ray used in this examination is the bitewing x-ray, which captures a view of the upper and lower back teeth, allowing the physician to evaluate how these teeth come together, identify any decay present between the teeth, and detect any bone loss associated with gum disease or infection. Additionally, periapical x-rays may be utilized, which provide a comprehensive view of the entire tooth, from the crown down to the root, along with the supporting bone structures. These x-rays are particularly useful for examining conditions that occur below the gum line, such as crowded or impacted teeth, broken tooth roots, abscesses, or other pathological changes. Occlusal x-rays are another type that can be performed, showing the roof and floor of the mouth, and are effective in identifying teeth that have not yet erupted through the gums, extra teeth, cleft palates, jaw fractures, foreign objects, and cysts or abscesses. It is important to report code 70300 for a single view of the teeth, while codes 70310 and 70320 are designated for partial examinations and full mouth series of x-rays, respectively.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radiologic examination of the teeth, coded as CPT® 70300, is indicated for various dental assessments. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant this procedure:

  • Decay Detection The examination helps identify caries or decay between teeth that may not be visible during a standard visual examination.
  • Bone Loss Assessment It is used to evaluate any bone loss associated with periodontal disease or infections affecting the gums.
  • Tooth Positioning The procedure assists in assessing the alignment and positioning of teeth, particularly in cases of crowding or impaction.
  • Root Examination It allows for the evaluation of the entire tooth structure, including the root, to identify issues such as broken roots or abscesses.
  • Pathological Changes The examination can reveal other disease changes that may be occurring below the gum line.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a radiologic examination of the teeth involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Patient Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately in the dental chair, and any necessary protective measures, such as lead aprons, are applied to minimize radiation exposure.
  • Selection of X-ray Type The dental professional selects the appropriate type of x-ray based on the specific diagnostic needs. A bitewing x-ray is commonly chosen for a single view, but periapical or occlusal x-rays may also be utilized depending on the clinical situation.
  • Image Acquisition The x-ray machine is positioned to capture the desired view of the teeth. The patient is instructed to bite down on the film or sensor to ensure proper alignment and clarity of the image.
  • Image Processing Once the x-ray is taken, the images are processed, either digitally or through traditional film development, to produce clear and interpretable results.
  • Image Review The dental professional reviews the x-ray images for any signs of decay, bone loss, or other abnormalities that may require further investigation or treatment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the radiologic examination is completed, the patient may be provided with specific post-procedure instructions. Typically, there are no significant recovery requirements following this type of examination, as it is non-invasive and involves minimal discomfort. However, the dental professional may advise the patient to avoid eating or drinking until any necessary follow-up procedures or treatments are discussed. The results of the x-ray will be analyzed, and the patient will be informed of any findings that may require further dental care or intervention.

Short Descr X-RAY EXAM OF TEETH
Medium Descr RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION TEETH 1 VIEW
Long Descr Radiologic examination, teeth; single view
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
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
FT Unrelated evaluation and management (e/m) visit on the same day as another e/m visit or during a global procedure (preoperative, postoperative period, or on the same day as the procedure, as applicable). (report when an e/m visit is furnished within the global period but is unrelated, or when one or more additional e/m visits furnished on the same day are unrelated)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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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