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Computed tomography (CT) for bone mineral density study, also referred to as quantitative computed tomography (QCT) densitometry, is a specialized imaging procedure that assesses bone mineral density (BMD) at one or more sites within the axial skeleton, which includes the pelvis, hips, and spine. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various bone diseases, evaluating the progression of these diseases, and monitoring treatment outcomes, particularly in patients with osteoporosis—a condition that significantly increases the risk of fractures. The CT technique utilizes multiple narrow X-ray beams that rotate around a single axis, capturing a series of two-dimensional images from various angles. These images are then digitally reconstructed by a computer to create a three-dimensional representation of the bone structure, allowing for the production of thin, cross-sectional images (slices) that provide detailed insights into bone density. QCT is recognized for its superior accuracy compared to traditional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning, as it offers a three-dimensional perspective that enables more precise calculations of bone density by considering both mass and volume. In contrast, DEXA measures BMD based on the attenuation of X-rays by the bone and does not account for depth, which can lead to less accurate assessments. Therefore, QCT densitometry is a valuable tool in the clinical evaluation of bone health.
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The computed tomography bone mineral density study (CPT® Code 77078) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for a computed tomography bone mineral density study involves several key steps:
After the computed tomography bone mineral density study is completed, patients may resume normal activities immediately, as there are typically no restrictions. The results of the study will be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the bone density measurements obtained. It is important for patients to maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor their bone health and address any concerns that may arise from the study results.
| Short Descr | CT BONE DENSITY AXIAL | Medium Descr | CT BONE MINERL DENSITY STUDY 1/> SITS AXIAL SKE | Long Descr | Computed tomography, bone mineral density study, 1 or more sites, axial skeleton (eg, hips, pelvis, spine) | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 180 - Other CT scan |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| G0513 | Telehealth Service (Medicare) Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Prolonged preventive service(s) (beyond the typical service time of the primary procedure), in the office or other outpatient setting requiring direct patient contact beyond the usual service; first 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for preventive service) |
| 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | 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. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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 | 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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Action
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Notes
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| 2016-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2007. |
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