Summary & Overview
CPT 71046: Chest X-ray, Single Frontal View
CPT code 71046 is a widely utilized billing code for radiologic examination of the chest, single frontal view, in both office and outpatient hospital settings. This procedure is a cornerstone of diagnostic radiology, frequently ordered to assess conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest pain, and other pulmonary or cardiac concerns. The code is recognized by major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare, ensuring broad coverage across the United States.
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of CPT 71046, detailing its clinical applications, payer coverage, and billing context. Readers will gain insight into the typical sites of service, common modifiers used for billing, and associated taxonomies relevant to diagnostic radiology. The summary also highlights related CPT codes for chest imaging, offering context for procedural selection and coding accuracy. Policy updates and benchmarks are included to inform stakeholders about current trends and requirements in medical billing for chest radiography. The information is designed to support healthcare administrators, billing professionals, and clinical teams in understanding the national landscape for this essential diagnostic service.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 71046 represents a radiologic examination of the chest performed as a single frontal view, such as anteroposterior (AP) or posteroanterior (PA). This diagnostic imaging procedure is commonly used to evaluate the lungs, heart, and chest wall for a variety of clinical indications. The service type is Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging), and it is typically provided in an office setting (Place of Service 11) or an outpatient hospital (Place of Service 22). This code may also include assessment of bone age when performed as part of the examination.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the office or outpatient hospital setting with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath. The clinician suspects a respiratory condition and orders a chest radiograph. The procedure performed is a single frontal view (either AP or PA) chest X-ray, coded as 71046. The radiologic technologist acquires the image, and a diagnostic radiologist interprets the results. This workflow is typical for evaluating conditions like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or abnormal findings in the lung field.
Coding Specifications
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Modifiers:
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Modifier
26: Used when billing only for the professional component, which is the interpretation of the radiologic image by the physician. -
Modifier
TC: Used when billing only for the technical component, which includes the equipment, supplies, and technician performing the imaging.
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Provider Taxonomies:
Taxonomy Code Specialty Name