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The CPT® Code 77074 refers to a radiologic examination specifically designed for an osseous survey, which is a study focused on the bones. This code is utilized when a limited examination is performed, typically targeting a specific symptomatic area or a suspected disease site through X-ray imaging. The term "limited" indicates that the examination does not encompass a comprehensive assessment of the entire skeletal system but rather focuses on particular regions of interest. It is important to note that this type of examination is not commonly employed for the purpose of assessing the spread of cancer, as nuclear bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning has largely supplanted traditional X-ray methods for staging bone metastasis. In contrast, the complete osseous survey is represented by CPT® Code 77075, which includes X-rays of both the axial skeleton (comprising the head and trunk) and the appendicular skeleton (the limbs). Additionally, CPT® Code 77076 is designated for radiologic surveys of bones in infants, which may be conducted to investigate potential child abuse, suspected diseases, or bone lesions associated with known medical conditions.
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The indications for performing a limited osseous survey using CPT® Code 77074 include specific symptomatic areas or suspected disease sites that require examination through radiologic imaging. This procedure is typically indicated when there is a need to investigate localized bone abnormalities or conditions that may not necessitate a full skeletal survey. It is important to note that while this code can be used in various clinical scenarios, it is not generally indicated for the assessment of metastatic cancer spread, as more advanced imaging techniques such as nuclear bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are preferred for that purpose.
The procedure for a limited osseous survey as described by CPT® Code 77074 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging of the targeted bone areas. First, the patient is positioned appropriately to allow optimal access to the specific symptomatic site. The radiologic technologist then prepares the X-ray equipment, ensuring that the settings are adjusted for the patient's size and the area being examined. Following this, X-ray images are taken of the designated bone region, focusing on capturing clear and detailed images that can reveal any abnormalities or conditions present. The images are then reviewed by a radiologist, who interprets the findings and provides a report that can assist the referring physician in making clinical decisions based on the results of the examination.
After the limited osseous survey is completed, the patient may be advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements associated with this type of radiologic examination. However, the patient may be informed about the importance of following up with their physician to discuss the results of the imaging study. The radiologist's report will provide critical insights into any findings, which may lead to further diagnostic testing or treatment options based on the identified conditions.
| Short Descr | RADEX OSSEOUS SURVEY LMTD | Medium Descr | RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION OSSEOUS SURVEY LIMITED | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, osseous survey; limited (eg, for metastases) | 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. | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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) | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 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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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2007. |
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