CPT® Code 76010

Official Description

Radiologic examination from nose to rectum for foreign body, single view, child

Common Language Description

A radiologic examination from nose to rectum, specifically coded as CPT® Code 76010, is a diagnostic imaging procedure performed on children to investigate the presence of a foreign body that may have been ingested or inhaled. This examination is particularly crucial for young patients, as the ingestion or inhalation of foreign objects is most prevalent among children aged 6 months to 5 years, although it can occur in both younger and older children as well. The term 'radiopaque' refers to materials that do not allow X-rays to pass through, making them visible on the radiographic images. Common examples of such foreign bodies include coins, small toys, batteries, safety pins, needles, and hairpins. During the procedure, a single frontal plain film X-ray is taken, which captures the entire respiratory and digestive tract, extending from the nose down to the anus. This comprehensive view is essential for identifying any foreign objects that may be lodged in critical areas such as the esophagus and trachea, where they can lead to serious complications like obstruction. Although children may initially show no symptoms after swallowing or inhaling a foreign body, the X-ray examination is vital for detecting potential hazards. The radiologist carefully reviews the images for signs of obstruction or perforation, particularly in cases involving sharp objects. Additionally, special attention is given to button batteries, which pose significant risks and are typically removed through a separate procedure rather than being allowed to pass naturally through the digestive system.

1. Indications

The radiologic examination from nose to rectum, coded as CPT® Code 76010, is indicated for children who are suspected of having ingested or inhaled a foreign body. The following conditions warrant this examination:

Suspected Foreign Body Ingestion or Inhalation Children presenting with symptoms or concerns regarding the ingestion or inhalation of a radiopaque foreign object.
Age Group This procedure is particularly relevant for children aged 6 months to 5 years, who are at a higher risk for such incidents.
Asymptomatic Presentation Even in cases where children show no immediate symptoms, the examination is crucial for identifying potential obstructions or complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination from nose to rectum involves several critical steps to ensure accurate diagnosis and safety for the child.

Step 1: Patient Preparation The child is positioned appropriately for the X-ray, ensuring comfort and minimizing movement during the imaging process. Parents or guardians may be asked to assist in calming the child to facilitate a successful examination.
Step 2: X-ray Acquisition A single frontal plain film X-ray is taken, capturing the entire respiratory and digestive tract from the nose to the anus. This comprehensive view is essential for identifying any foreign bodies that may be present.
Step 3: Image Review The radiologist reviews the X-ray images meticulously, looking for evidence of foreign bodies, particularly in critical areas such as the esophagus and trachea, where obstruction can occur. The stomach and intestines are also examined, although foreign bodies that have passed into the stomach are less likely to cause obstruction.
Step 4: Assessment of Risks Special attention is given to sharp objects and button batteries, as these can pose significant risks. The radiologist assesses whether any foreign body has perforated the respiratory or digestive tract, which would require immediate medical intervention.

3. Post-Procedure

After the radiologic examination, the child may be monitored for any signs of distress or complications resulting from the foreign body ingestion or inhalation. If a foreign body is identified, particularly a sharp object or a button battery, further intervention may be necessary, which could involve a separate procedure for removal. Parents or guardians will be informed of the findings and any required follow-up actions, including potential observation for the passage of non-harmful foreign bodies through the digestive system. It is essential to provide clear instructions regarding signs of complications that may require immediate medical attention.

Short Descr	X-RAY NOSE TO RECTUM
Medium Descr	RADEX FROM NOSE RECTUM FOREIGN BODY 1 VIEW CHLD
Long Descr	Radiologic examination from nose to rectum for foreign body, single view, child
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)	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.
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
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