Summary & Overview
CPT 73110: Radiologic Examination of Wrist, Complete (≥3 Views)
CPT 73110 denotes a complete radiologic examination of the wrist consisting of at least three views. As a commonly ordered diagnostic radiography service, it is integral to initial evaluation of wrist trauma, pain, and degenerative conditions across clinical settings. Nationally, wrist radiography remains a frontline imaging tool due to its accessibility, low cost, and diagnostic value for fractures and joint disease. Key payers considered in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise description of the code’s clinical intent, typical sites of service, commonly associated modifiers, relevant ICD-10 diagnoses that justify imaging, and closely related CPT codes used for wrist and hand radiography. The content summarizes billing elements and coding context that influence claim submission and payer adjudication, and it clarifies where CPT 73110 fits relative to two-view exams and hand radiographs. Data not available in the input is noted explicitly where applicable. This summary is written for a national audience to support coding accuracy, administrative clarity, and alignment of documentation with radiologic service expectations.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 73110 is a radiologic examination of the wrist performed as a complete study with a minimum of three views. This procedure is categorized under Diagnostic Radiology and documents a thorough imaging assessment of the wrist to evaluate acute injury, degenerative change, or other pathology.
Typical sites of service include Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTFs) and outpatient hospital settings (Facility POS 22 or POS 19).
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to an Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility or an outpatient hospital radiology department with acute wrist pain following a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient reports focal tenderness over the carpal bones, decreased range of motion, and swelling. The ordering clinician (orthopaedic surgeon or emergency physician) requests radiographic evaluation to assess for carpal bone fracture or acute bony abnormality. The radiology technologist performs a complete wrist radiologic examination consisting of a minimum of three views (typically AP, lateral, and oblique). Images are acquired under the facility technical component and transmitted to the interpreting radiologist for the professional component. Final radiology report documents technique, number of views, comparison studies if available, imaging findings (for example, fracture, dislocation, degenerative change), and impression to guide management.
Coding Specifications
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Modifier
26(Professional Component): Used when billing only the interpreting radiologist’s service (report and interpretation) separate from the facility’s equipment and technologist services. -
Modifier
TC(Technical Component): Used when billing only the facility component (equipment, supplies, technologist) separate from the interpreting physician’s professional component.
Provider Taxonomies
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