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A cephalogram is a specialized radiological film that captures a comprehensive view of the patient's head, playing a crucial role in the diagnosis and planning of orthodontic treatment. This imaging technique is particularly valuable for orthodontists as it provides detailed insights into the patient's facial structure and dental occlusion. The cephalogram can be categorized into two main types: the frontal cephalogram and the lateral cephalogram. The frontal cephalogram offers a full view of the face, which is instrumental in assessing facial asymmetry. In contrast, the lateral cephalogram presents a complete profile view of the skull, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the occlusion and the spatial relationship between the occlusion and the underlying skeletal structures. Additionally, the lateral cephalogram reveals the positioning of soft tissues in relation to the facial appearance and the inclination of the teeth. By utilizing both frontal and lateral cephalograms, orthodontists can conduct more quantitative evaluations of dentofacial deformities and facial asymmetry. This is achieved by calculating orthodontic landmarks while correcting for any distortion and magnification that may occur during imaging. The resulting measurements of the teeth, jaws, soft tissues, and facial relationships are essential for formulating an effective treatment plan aimed at correcting orthodontic issues and achieving optimal facial harmony.
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The cephalogram is indicated for various orthodontic assessments and treatment planning. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this imaging technique:
The procedure for obtaining a cephalogram involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and effective diagnosis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the cephalogram is completed, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve any recovery time. The orthodontist will analyze the images and may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and outline the proposed treatment plan based on the cephalometric analysis. Patients are typically advised to maintain regular dental check-ups and follow any additional recommendations provided by their orthodontist.
| Short Descr | X-RAY HEAD FOR ORTHODONTIA | Medium Descr | CEPHALOGRAM ORTHODONTIC | Long Descr | Cephalogram, orthodontic | 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 |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | 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. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | GP | Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care | 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 | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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