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Vertebral fractures are a significant health concern, particularly among the elderly population, where they often remain undiagnosed and unrecognized. The procedure for assessing these fractures is known as vertebral fracture assessment, which utilizes dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This advanced imaging technique employs two X-ray beams of differing energy levels directed at the bones in alternating pulses. The process is enhanced by the use of densitometers and specialized software that interprets the data collected during the scan. During the assessment, the patient is typically positioned either supine or in a left decubitus position, allowing for a comprehensive lateral scan of the spine using a rotating arm. One of the key advantages of DXA is its low radiation exposure, which is sufficient to detect vertebral fractures while not revealing other bone or soft tissue abnormalities. The assessment categorizes vertebral fractures into three grades based on the degree of height reduction: Grade I fractures exhibit a 20-24% decrease in vertebral height, Grade II fractures show a 25-39% decrease, and Grade III fractures are characterized by a 40% or greater decrease. Additionally, the assessment may identify the specific location of the vertebral deformity, which can manifest as an endplate deformity (located at the midheight of the vertebra), a wedge deformity (affecting the anterior and midheight), or a crush deformity (involving the entire vertebra). This detailed evaluation is crucial for diagnosing and managing vertebral fractures effectively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Vertebral fracture assessment via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for vertebral fracture assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) involves several key steps:
After the vertebral fracture assessment via DXA, patients may be advised on follow-up care based on the results of the scan. If fractures are identified, further evaluation and treatment options may be discussed, which could include medication for osteoporosis, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of future fractures. Patients are typically informed about the low radiation exposure associated with the DXA procedure, and any immediate concerns or questions regarding the results can be addressed during the follow-up consultation. It is important for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the implications of the findings and the next steps in their care plan.
| Short Descr | VRT FRACTURE ASSMT VIA DXA | Medium Descr | VERTEBRAL FRACTURE ASSESSMENT VIA DXA | Long Descr | Vertebral fracture assessment via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | 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. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I2D - Advanced imaging - MRI/MRA: other | MUE | 1 |
| 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. | 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 | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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 | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | 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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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |
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