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Sialography, as defined by CPT® Code 70390, is a specialized diagnostic radiographic examination focused on the salivary ducts and glands. This procedure involves the use of a small amount of opaque dye, which is injected into the salivary gland duct. The injection is facilitated through a small, flexible catheter that is carefully inserted through the mouth and directed into the duct. Prior to the injection of the contrast material, an initial x-ray may be performed to ensure that there are no obstructions, such as stones, that could impede the flow of the contrast agent. Following the injection, the patient is typically given a substance, such as lemon juice, to stimulate saliva production. This stimulation is crucial as it allows for a clearer visualization of the salivary drainage into the mouth. Multiple x-rays are then taken from various angles to capture detailed images of the salivary glands and ducts. The physician subsequently reviews these images to identify any abnormalities, including the presence of small stones, strictures, ectasia, or other potential signs of disease affecting the salivary system.
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The indications for performing sialography (CPT® Code 70390) include the following conditions and symptoms that may warrant this diagnostic procedure:
The sialography procedure involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and assessment of the salivary glands and ducts:
After the completion of the sialography procedure, patients may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the contrast material. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort or swelling in the area where the catheter was inserted. Patients are typically advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast material from their system. Additionally, they may be instructed to avoid certain activities or foods that could irritate the salivary glands for a brief period following the procedure. The physician will discuss the findings from the imaging and any necessary follow-up actions based on the results.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF SALIVARY DUCT | Medium Descr | SIALOGRAPHY RS&I | Long Descr | Sialography, radiological supervision and interpretation | 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 | T-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1F - Standard imaging - other | MUE | 2 | 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. | 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. | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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