CPT Codes for Radiology Procedures & Coding Guidelines 2024

From X-ray imaging to fluoroscopy and PET scans to diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, radiologists use several imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions. They are the right arm of physicians. Without them, it would be challenging to detect diseases and disorders. 

Naturally, radiologists deserve just compensation for their services. However, they cannot collect reimbursements from insurers without knowing the revised CPT codes for radiology procedures. To aid them, we have created a guide on the most common radiology CPT codes and coding best practices with the hope that it will improve their first-pass claim rate.

So, check it out!  

Understanding Radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty that requires the use of imaging techniques to diagnose diseases/conditions and perform guided treatment procedures. There are usually two categories of radiology – diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. 

It involves conducting tests and taking scans to generate 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) images of anatomical structures like bones, organs, and tissues. 

Types of Imaging Procedures 

The most commonly used imaging techniques in radiology centers are as follows:

• Angiography
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Fluoroscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Mammography
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Tactile imaging
• Ultrasound (US)
• X-ray

Common Radiology CPT Codes

Radiologists use standardized Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to report the imaging procedures they use to diagnose or treat a patient’s condition. The American Medical Association (AMA) maintains these code sets and revises them every year to incorporate additions or deletions to the medical procedures. 

There are over one hundred codes for radiology, covering a range of services. However, for this blog, we will only discuss in detail the most commonly reported CPT codes in radiology labs around the USA during 2023.

Radiology CPT Codes for Diagnostic Imaging Procedures 

The CPT code range for diagnostic imaging (diagnostic radiology) procedures is 70010-76499. Among them are some of the most reported CPT codes for radiology, as discussed below. 

CPT Code 71045 – Radiologic Exam Chest Single View 

The 71045 CPT code for radiology is reported for performing a single radiological view of the chest. It was also the fourth-most used code in 2023 and was mentioned 4.9% of the time in medical claims.

It is used to diagnose respiratory conditions by evaluating the chest, its contents, and the surrounding structures.

CPT Code 71046 – Radiologic Exam Chest 2 Views

For conducting radiologic chest examinations with at least 2 views, the provider must assign radiology CPT code 71046 in the claim. This radiology procedure is also used to diagnose respiratory diseases by assessing the chest, its contents, and surrounding structures. 

Last year, this code was the third-most used CPT code in radiology labs. It was reported 6.2% of the time. 

CPT Code 72100 – Radex Spine Lumbosacral 2/3 Views

Radiologists report the CPT code 72100 when they want to bill for a radiologic examination of the lumbosacral spine. In 2023, radiology CPT code 72100 was used 1.7% of the time at the USA’s imaging centers. 

The provider captures two or three views of the vertebrae in the lumbar region (lower section of the spine and sacrum), connecting the spine to the pelvis, using an X-ray machine to diagnose back injuries. It is ordered for symptoms like continuous numbness and lower back pain. 

CPT Code 72148 – MRI Spinal Canal Lumbar w/o Contrast Material

Radiology CPT code 72148 is used to report the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spinal canal without contrast material. It was also the 6th most used CPT code for radiology and was reported 2.3% of the time in 2023. 

It is a diagnostic procedure in which the technician uses an MRI scanner to capture images of the lumbar spinal canal and its contents without contrast.

CPT Code 73030 – Radex Shoulder Complete Minimum 2 Views

This CPT code for radiology is used to bill the radiologic examination of the shoulder. It was reported nearly 1.8% of the time in 2023 in radiology labs around the country. 

A technician takes at least 2 views of the complete shoulder with an X-ray machine to diagnose injuries, like fractures and dislocations, and conditions, like arthritis.  

CPT Code 73502 – Radex Hip Unilateral With Pelvis 2-3 Views

Radiology CPT code 73502 was the 19th most reported code in 2023. Out of all the radiology procedures in the year, its frequency was 1.4%. It is mainly used when the providers want to bill a radiologic exam of the hip and pelvis. 

The radiologist uses an X-ray machine to capture two to three views (at different angles) of the left or right hip and the pelvis area for diagnosing fractures or swelling. 

CPT Code 73562 – Radiologic Examination Knee 3 Views

73562 is the 20th most used CPT code for radiology. In 2023, all the radiology centers in the USA used it around 1.3% of the time to bill radiology examinations of the knee. 

This procedure is also known as a knee X-ray or knee radiograph. A technician takes three X-rays of the patient’s knee from different angles to check for internal injuries, fractures, and swelling. 

CPT Code 73630 – Radex Foot Complete Minimum 3 Views

When a patient experiences pain in the foot (including the toes or the calcaneus bone), the physician recommends getting a radiologic exam with the CPT code 73630. It is the 13th most reported radiology CPT code and was used 1.6% of the time in 2023.  

During this diagnostic procedure, the technician takes at least three X-rays of the foot from different angles to check for injuries, fractures, or conditions like arthritis, tumors, etc. 

CPT Code 73721 – MRI Any Jt Lower Extremities w/o Contrast Matrl

Last year, radiology centers across the country reported this radiology CPT code 2.0% of the time. It is recommended for injuries such as ligament tears and bone fractures or if there are abnormalities in the joint. 

The radiologist uses an MRI scanner to create images of lower extremities like legs, feet, and knees without contrast material. 

CPT Code 74018 – Radiologic Exam Abdomen 1 View

This CPT code for radiology is assigned when providers want to bill an X-ray for abdominal organs and structures. It was the 16th most used CPT code, and imaging centers reported it 1.5% of the time in 2023 alone. 

In this diagnostic procedure, the provider takes one view of the organs and structures in the abdomen via X-ray to assess conditions like abdominal infections, tumors, obstructions, or perforations. 

CPT Code 74177 – CT Abdomen & Pelvis With Contrast Material

74177 is another commonly used CPT code for radiology procedures. In the previous year, it was the 9th most reported CPT code, with a frequency of 1.9%. 

To use this procedural code, a provider must perform computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis and abdomen with contrast material. The scanning helps evaluate the reason for pain in the abdomen or pelvic area. It also allows a physician to check for abnormal growths in the internal organs.  

Radiology CPT Codes for Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures

For all procedures that require a diagnostic ultrasound, radiologists must refer to CPT codes between 76506 and 76999. However, only three radiology CPT codes from this category were frequently used at the US imaging centers in 2023. 

CPT Code 76536 – Neck & Head Ultrasound with Real-Time Imaging

76536 was the 17th most used CPT code for radiology in 2023. Reported nearly 1.5% of the time, this code implies that the technician performed an ultrasound of the soft tissues of the neck and head in real-time. The images are documented and saved for viewing at a later date. 

CPT Code 76641 – Complete Breast Ultrasound with Real-Time Imaging 

Healthcare providers usually suggest getting a complete ultrasound of the breast when they suspect abnormalities like fluid-filled cysts, lumps, tumors, or foreign bodies in the organ. 

This procedure appears under the CPT code 76641. It was the 11th most reported radiology CPT code in 2023 and comprised 1.8% of all image diagnostics procedures. Basically, the provider takes the complete ultrasound of one breast, including all the quadrants and the retroareolar region. The images are recorded for viewing later. 

CPT Code 76700 –  Abdominal Ultrasound with Real-Time Image Documentation 

The 8th most used radiology CPT code in 2023 was 76700. It explains to the insurance payers that the radiologist performed a complete ultrasound of the abdomen to check for problems in the liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and abdominal aorta. 

The real-time imaging is captured and recorded for analysis. Physicians order this abdominal ultrasound when they suspect conditions like blood clots, infections, cysts, tumors, or obstructions in the organs, glands, or ducts.  

CPT Code 76830 – Transvaginal Ultrasound 

76830 is a CPT code for radiology that informs the insurance payer that the provider performed a transvaginal ultrasound for routine examination rather than to determine pregnancy or check the development of a fetus.  

It was the 15th most used CPT code in radiology labs across the USA and was reported 1.5% of the time. 

The sonographer performs the ultrasound of female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, and cervix, for assessment at a later date. 

CPT Code 76856 – Pelvis Non-Obstetric Ultrasound with Real-Time Image 

The radiology CPT code 76856 is used when providers perform a pelvis ultrasound on male or female patients. It was the 18th most performed radiology procedure in 2023 and is mostly ordered for women for non-obsteric reasons. 

During this complete pelvis ultrasound, the technician takes real-time images of the various body parts, such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder, fallopian tubes, and cervix in women, and prostate glands, bladder, and seminal vesicles in men. The sonographer displays the visuals on the monitor and captures images for documentation. 

CPT Codes for Radiology Guidance

The CPT Codes for radiology guidance range from 77001- 77022 and include code sets for fluoroscopic guidance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, and computed tomography (CT) guidance. 

These CPT codes are used when the radiologist uses various techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to perform guided procedures like biopsies, aspiration, and injection by locating organs, tissues, and small targets inside the body. Cross-sectional images of anatomical structures are created, allowing the surgeon to assess the thickness and volume of organs, tissues, and surrounding walls. 

Radiology CPT Codes for Breast, Mammography

The revised code range for breast mammography is 77046-77067. While there are a total of 12 radiology CPT codes for screening breasts, only 2 were frequently used in medical claims across the USA in 2023. 

CPT Code 77063 – Screening Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Bilateral

77063 is a CPT code for radiology procedures and is assigned when radiologists want to bill the digital screening of breasts, also known as tomosynthesis. In the previous year, this code was reported by radiologists 8.0% of the time (2nd most used code). 

Tomosynthesis is more accurate than traditional mammography because the provider takes 3D images of the breasts from various angles using an X-ray machine. The resulting images are used to check for abnormalities in the breasts. 

CPT Code 77067- Screening Mammography Bilateral 2-View Breast in CAD

This radiology CPT code is reported for billing a bilateral screening mammogram. It was the No.1 most common CPT code at the nation’s imaging centers in 2023, with a usage rate of 9.2%.  

The provider uses an FDA-approved technology, computer-aided design (CAD), to identify any potential abnormalities in breasts. He takes two X-ray views of each breast and processes them in CAD software to convert signals into digital data and create 2D and 3D images for analysis. 

Radiology CPT Codes for Bone/Joint Studies 

The radiology CPT code range for bone and joint studies ranges between 77071 and 77092. However, the most frequently reported code is 77080 for assessing the bone density of a patient using the DXA scan. 

According to the data obtained from Definitive Healthcare Atlas All-Payor Claims and ImagingView products, around 2.6% of people undergo this procedure at imaging centers across the USA.   

CPT Code 77080 – DXA Bone Density Study, Sites Axial Skel

This radiology CPT code is used when radiologists want to code and bill bone density tests. 

The radiologist uses dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) to create an image of one or more bones on the trunk (for example, hip and spine) and assess bone mineral density (BMD). This imaging procedure determines whether the patient has osteoporosis or osteopenia. 

Radiology CPT Codes for Radiation Oncology Treatment

The CPT code range for radiation oncology treatments is 77261-77799. These codes cover a long list of procedures. However, none of these are among the most sought-after services at radiology centers.

The following procedures are covered under these radiology CPT codes.

Code Range	Procedures
77261-77299	Clinical Treatment Planning (External and Internal Sources) for Radiation Treatment
77300-77370	Medical Radiation Physics, Dosimetry, Treatment Devices, and Special Services for Radiation Treatment
77371-77387	Stereotactic Radiation Treatment Delivery
77399-77399	Other Procedures
77401-77417	Radiation Treatment Delivery
77423-77425	Neutron Beam Treatment Delivery
77427-77499	Radiation Treatment Management
77520-77525	Proton Beam Radiation Treatment Delivery
77600-77615	Radiation Hyperthermia Treatment
77620-77620	Clinical Intracavitary Radiation Hyperthermia Treatment
77750-77799	Clinical Brachytherapy Radiation Treatment

Radiology CPT Codes for Nuclear Medicine Procedures 

Nuclear medicine scans are used in cardiology, neurology, and oncology to diagnose conditions like damaged coronary arteries, Alzheimer’s (and other neurodegenerative disorders), blocked ducts in salivary glands, and abnormal placement of gastric mucosa in the small intestine.  

The radiologist uses small amounts of radioactive material to evaluate the function and structure of targeted organs. The radiology CPT codes for nuclear medicine procedures are between 78012 and 79999. 

Under these, the radiologist performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using nuclear medicine, such as scintigraphy to diagnose bone diseases and examine multiple areas of the skeleton (CPT code 78305), and radiopharmaceutical therapy where a radioactive substance is orally administered to treat cancer (CPT Code 79005). 

Radiology Coding Guidelines

According to Becker’s ASC Review, the medical specialty with the 3rd highest denial rate is radiology. After plastic surgery and emergency medicine, the claim denial rate in radiology is 20%. Most often, these denials are a result of coding errors.

Hence, we will share some radiology coding guidelines to help you prevent denials for an optimized revenue cycle.

Create Detailed Reports 

You must create comprehensive reports for radiology tests and scans. Your reports must contain complete patient information, referring physician’s details, the radiology center’s details, date and time, the reason for the imaging test, the radiologist’s signature, and more to be accepted as complete documentation by the insurance payer. 

Detailed radiology reports must be submitted along with the medical claim forms to support the medical necessity of the procedures and to collect accurate reimbursements. 

Report the Number of Views 

The radiology coders and billers must count the number of views of X-rays, CT, and MRI scans and use the appropriate code on the claims. The code used must reflect the number of views of the radiologic examination. For example, 73630 for the diagnostic imaging of the complete foot from 3 different angles (3 views). 

Using the CPT code with the correct number of views will help you secure accurate payment for your services. 

Differentiate Between Technical and Professional Components 

Many radiology procedures include a technical as well as a professional component. The technical component (TC) uses the correct equipment to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Whereas, the professional component (PC) is the interpretation of the radiology test reports and suggesting the next best course of action. 

While creating radiology medical claims, the biller must specify whether the procedure involved a TC, PC, or both. This is usually done through the help of modifiers like ‘TC’ for technical components and ‘26’ for professional components. 

Mention Scout View or Contrast Studies 

Radiologists seeking reimbursements from insurance payers must also pay close attention to scout views vs. contrast studies. 

Scout views are 2D images taken before the diagnostic examination to prep the CT scanner and position the patient correctly. The referring physician does not necessarily interpret them. However, its filming must be documented when filing for reimbursements. 

Similarly, when coding for procedures with contrast materials, the biller must state whether single or double contrast was used for clear imaging. 

Complete Documentation for “Complete Exam”

If you use a radiology CPT code with the description “complete exam”, ensure you provide complete documentation to support it. For example, when using the code 76700 for the complete ultrasound of the abdomen with real-time imaging and documentation, you must attach images of all the organs and structures that were viewed and assessed. 

Hence, your documentation should include the images and evaluation of the upper abdominal aorta, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, inferior vena cava, common bile ducts, and gall bladder. Your claim with CPT code 76700 will be denied if records for any of these body parts are missing. 

Use Modifiers Where Needed 

Modifiers should be used where appropriate to give more details about the radiology procedures. Remember that missing or incorrect modifiers are one of the biggest reasons for claim denials. 

Some commonly used modifiers with radiology CPT codes are:

• LT – Indicates that the radiologic examination was performed on the left side. 
• RT – Indicates that the imaging technique was used on the body’s right side.
• 50 – Indicates that a bilateral procedure was performed. 
• 59 – Indicates that the procedure performed is distinct from other services.
• 76 – Indicates that the imaging technique was repeated by the same physician. 
• 77 – Indicates that the procedure was repeated by another provider. 

Final Word 

Radiology is the third-most adversely affected medical specialty when it comes to filing claims and collecting payments against the offered services. The denial rate for radiology medical claims is 20% (3rd highest)! And many of these denials are triggered because of coding errors. 

Therefore, you must know the most commonly used radiology CPT codes and implement the coding best practices, like detailed reporting, complete documentation, usage of modifiers, mention of specifications (e.g., the number of views, scout views, and contrast studies), and distinguish between technical and professional components to submit error-free claims and avoid denials. 
However, if all this seems too tedious and overwhelming, you can invest in reliable radiology billing services and take a breather.