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A radiologic examination of the finger(s) involves the use of X-ray imaging to capture detailed images of the bones and soft tissues within the fingers. This procedure requires a minimum of two different views to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the anatomical structures. X-ray imaging operates on the principle of indirect ionizing radiation, which penetrates the body and interacts with various tissues based on their density and composition. As a result, some X-rays are absorbed by denser materials, such as bone, while others pass through less dense tissues, allowing for the creation of a two-dimensional image on a detector positioned behind the area being examined. The primary purpose of this examination is to identify a range of conditions affecting the fingers. Common indications for performing this procedure include the detection of fractures, dislocations of the interphalangeal (IP) joints, deformities, degenerative bone diseases, osteomyelitis, arthritis, the presence of foreign bodies, or tumors. The examination typically includes several standard views: the posteroanterior view, where the palm is placed flat and fingers are extended to visualize the metacarpals and phalanges; the anteroposterior view, which involves positioning the back of the hand against the film with the X-ray beam directed from the palmar side to the dorsal side; and the lateral view, where the ulnar side of the hand is placed on the film cassette with fingers spread to prevent overlap. Additionally, oblique views may be obtained by rotating the radial side of the hand 45 degrees away from the surface while keeping the fingers extended and separated. This comprehensive approach ensures that all relevant structures are adequately visualized for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Radiologic examination of the finger(s) is performed for various clinical indications, including:
The procedure for a radiologic examination of the finger(s) involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging. First, the patient is positioned appropriately to allow for the necessary views. The posteroanterior view is typically obtained first, where the patient places their palm flat on the imaging plate with fingers extended and slightly apart. This positioning allows for a clear view of the metacarpals, phalanges, and IP joints. Next, the anteroposterior view is captured by having the patient place the back of their hand against the film, with the X-ray beam directed from the palmar side to the dorsal side. This view helps to visualize the bones from a different angle. Following these views, a lateral view is taken. For this view, the patient positions the ulnar side of their hand on the film cassette, ensuring that the fingers are spread apart to avoid overlap of the structures. This lateral positioning is crucial for assessing the alignment and integrity of the bones. Additionally, oblique views may be obtained by having the patient place their hand palm down and rotate the radial side 45 degrees away from the surface, while keeping the fingers extended and separated. This oblique positioning provides further detail on the bone structures and joint spaces, enhancing the diagnostic capability of the examination.
After the radiologic examination of the finger(s) is completed, the images are reviewed for clarity and diagnostic quality. The radiologist or the interpreting physician will analyze the X-rays to identify any abnormalities or conditions as indicated. There are typically no specific post-procedure care instructions required for patients following this examination, as it is a non-invasive procedure. Patients may resume normal activities immediately after the X-rays are taken. However, if any findings require further evaluation or treatment, the physician will discuss the next steps with the patient based on the results of the examination.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF FINGER(S) | Medium Descr | RADEX FINGR MINIMUM 2 VIEWS | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, finger(s), minimum of 2 views | 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) | 3 - The usual 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 | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 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. | 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 | F5 | Right hand, thumb | FA | Left hand, thumb | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | F7 | Right hand, third digit | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F1 | Left hand, second digit | 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. | 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. | 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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. | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | 21 | Prolonged evaluation and management services: when the face-to-face or floor/unit service(s) provided is prolonged or otherwise greater than that usually required for the highest level of evaluation and management service within a given category, it may be identified by adding modifier 21 to the evaluation and management code number. a report may also be appropriate. | 25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59. | 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. | 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.) | 99 | Multiple modifiers: under certain circumstances 2 or more modifiers may be necessary to completely delineate a service. in such situations modifier 99 should be added to the basic procedure, and other applicable modifiers may be listed as part of the description of the service. | AG | Primary physician | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | AR | Physician provider services in a physician scarcity area | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | FP | Service provided as part of family planning program | FS | Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit | 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) | FX | X-ray taken using film | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GB | Claim being re-submitted for payment because it is no longer covered under a global payment demonstration | GJ | "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service | GP | Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | KT | Beneficiary resides in a competitive bidding area and travels outside that competitive bidding area and receives a competitive bid item | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | MA | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to service being rendered to a patient with a suspected or confirmed emergency medical condition | 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 | 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 | PT | Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q5 | Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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 | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) | SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician | T1 | Left foot, second digit | T2 | Left foot, third digit | T3 | Left foot, fourth digit | T5 | Right foot, great toe | T6 | Right foot, second digit | T7 | Right foot, third digit | T8 | Right foot, fourth digit | T9 | Right foot, fifth digit | TA | Left foot, great toe | TL | Early intervention/individualized family service plan (ifsp) | UC | Medicaid level of care 12, as defined by each state | UD | Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state | UH | Services provided in the evening | X1 | Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care | X2 | Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner |
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| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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