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A radiologic examination of the pharynx and/or cervical esophagus, as described by CPT® Code 74210, involves the use of barium contrast to visualize these anatomical structures. This procedure utilizes X-ray imaging, which employs indirect ionizing radiation to capture images of the pharynx and cervical esophagus. The principle behind this imaging technique is based on the varying densities and compositions of human tissues, which affect how X-rays are absorbed or transmitted. As a result, some X-rays are absorbed by denser tissues while others pass through, 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 diagnose various conditions affecting the pharynx and cervical esophagus, including but not limited to ulcers, tumors, inflammation, scarring, and obstructions. The procedure typically begins with the acquisition of one or more scout neck radiographs, which are preliminary images taken before the administration of the contrast material. Following this, the patient ingests a barium sulfate mixture, which coats the pharynx and esophagus, enhancing the visibility of these structures during imaging. Once the barium contrast has adequately coated the pharynx and/or the upper esophagus, additional radiographic images are captured. In some cases, delayed images may be necessary if the movement of the contrast material is observed to be slow. It is important to note that not all images may be available for immediate review; the physician will subsequently analyze the images, identify any abnormalities, and provide a comprehensive written interpretation of the findings.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The radiologic examination of the pharynx and/or cervical esophagus using CPT® Code 74210 is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions that may affect these structures. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for the radiologic examination of the pharynx and/or cervical esophagus involves several key steps, each critical for ensuring accurate imaging and diagnosis. The following outlines the procedural steps as described:
After the completion of the radiologic examination, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the barium contrast. It is common for the physician to review the images obtained during the procedure, noting any abnormalities that may be present. The physician will then provide a written interpretation of the findings, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the results of the examination. Patients are typically advised to drink plenty of fluids following the procedure to help eliminate the barium from their system and may receive specific instructions regarding diet or activity based on their individual circumstances.
| Short Descr | X-RAY XM PHRNX&/CRV ESOPH C+ | Medium Descr | RADIOLOGIC EXAM PHRNX&/CRV ESOPH CONTRAST STUDY | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, pharynx and/or cervical esophagus, including scout neck radiograph(s) and delayed image(s), when performed, contrast (eg, barium) study | 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) | I1D - Standard imaging - contrast gastrointestinal | 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 | 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). | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | 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 | 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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| 2020-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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