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Official Description

Orthopantogram (eg, panoramic x-ray)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An orthopantogram, also known as a panoramic x-ray, is a specialized imaging technique utilized primarily in orthodontic diagnostic examinations. This procedure involves taking a radiograph from outside the mouth, which provides a comprehensive panoramic view of both the upper and lower jaws. The resulting image captures critical anatomical structures, including the upper sinus area, the entire dentition, and the relationship of all teeth to one another, as well as the surrounding alveolar bone, all presented on a single film. The orthopantogram is instrumental in identifying various dental conditions, such as missing, extra, or impacted teeth. Additionally, it allows for the assessment of the condition of tooth roots, the evaluation of the supporting bone's quantity, and the analysis of the position and development of non-erupted permanent teeth. This imaging modality is essential for orthodontists and dental professionals in planning treatment and making informed decisions regarding patient care.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The orthopantogram is indicated for various diagnostic purposes in orthodontics and dentistry. The following conditions and situations warrant the use of this imaging technique:

  • Missing Teeth The orthopantogram helps in identifying the absence of teeth, which is crucial for treatment planning in orthodontics and prosthodontics.
  • Extra Teeth This imaging can reveal the presence of supernumerary teeth that may require removal or special consideration during treatment.
  • Impacted Teeth The orthopantogram is essential for locating teeth that are not in their expected position, particularly wisdom teeth or other permanent teeth that may be obstructed.
  • Condition of Tooth Roots The radiograph provides valuable information regarding the health and integrity of tooth roots, which is important for assessing potential dental issues.
  • Supporting Bone Evaluation The amount and quality of supporting bone can be assessed, which is vital for planning surgical interventions or orthodontic treatments.
  • Development of Non-erupted Permanent Teeth The orthopantogram allows for the evaluation of the position and development of teeth that have not yet erupted, aiding in monitoring growth and development.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining an orthopantogram involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned in front of the panoramic x-ray machine, and any necessary protective measures, such as lead aprons, are applied to minimize radiation exposure. The patient is instructed to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or eyeglasses, that may interfere with the imaging process.
  • Step 2: Positioning The patient is asked to bite down on a specific device that helps stabilize the jaw and ensure proper alignment. The technician adjusts the machine to the appropriate height and angle based on the patient's anatomy.
  • Step 3: Imaging Process Once the patient is correctly positioned, the panoramic x-ray machine rotates around the patient's head, capturing a continuous image of the upper and lower jaws. The exposure time is typically brief, allowing for a quick and efficient imaging process.
  • Step 4: Image Processing After the imaging is complete, the captured data is processed to create a clear and detailed radiograph. The resulting image is reviewed for quality and diagnostic clarity.

3. Post-Procedure

After the orthopantogram is completed, the patient may resume normal activities immediately, as there are no specific post-procedure restrictions. The radiograph is typically reviewed by the orthodontist or dentist, who will interpret the findings and discuss any necessary treatment options with the patient. It is important for the healthcare provider to ensure that the patient understands the results and any subsequent steps that may be required based on the findings of the orthopantogram.

Short Descr PANORAMIC X-RAY OF JAWS
Medium Descr ORTHOPANTOGRAM
Long Descr Orthopantogram (eg, panoramic x-ray)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
FY X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging
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
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
KY Dmepos item subject to dmepos competitive bidding program number 5
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
MH Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider
PC Wrong surgery or other invasive procedure on patient
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
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)
ST Related to trauma or injury
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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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2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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