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    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Head and NeckCPT cpt-70210-paranasal-sinus-xray-sinusitis-assessment
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    CPT 70210: X-ray of Paranasal Sinuses for Sinusitis Assessment

    Medicare pays $22 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 70210 describes an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses performed to assess sinusitis; this radiographic diagnostic service is typically categorized as an X‑ray imaging study and is usually performed in an outpatient radiology department, urgent care clinic, or emergency department for evaluation of sinus disease and related symptoms.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Lumbar Microdiscectomy, Artificial Cervical Intervertebral Disc, Lumbar Decompression.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult presenting to an urgent care clinic or emergency department with several days of nasal congestion, facial pressure, purulent nasal discharge, and headache suspicious for acute sinusitis. The clinician performs a focused history and physical exam and documents localized tenderness over the maxillary and/or frontal sinuses and possible fever. When physical exam and history alone are insufficient to assess sinus opacification or complications (for example persistent symptoms despite initial therapy, concern for orbital involvement, or preoperative planning), the provider orders radiographic imaging of the paranasal sinuses. Radiology staff obtain standard sinus radiographs (e.g., Waters, Caldwell, lateral views) in the radiology suite or departmental x-ray room. The study is interpreted by the attending radiologist who provides a final report describing mucosal thickening, air-fluid levels, or sinus opacification. The facility bills for the technical component and the reading physician bills the professional component when applicable. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology department, hospital radiology suite, urgent care clinic with radiography capability, or emergency department. Service type: diagnostic radiology — plain film imaging of the paranasal sinuses.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    70486Computed tomography, maxillofacial with contrastAdvanced cross-sectional imaging when plain films are inconclusive or complications suspected; may follow 70210 for detailed evaluation.
    70487CT maxillofacial without contrastFrequently used for bony detail or preoperative planning when sinus radiographs are inadequate.
    70488CT maxillofacial with and without contrastUsed when both noncontrast and contrast images are required for complex cases.
    71045Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontalNot directly related to sinuses; Data not available in the input.
    92511Nasal endoscopy diagnosticPerformed by ENT for direct visualization when imaging and exam are insufficient — often complementary to sinus imaging.

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207RH0000XHematology (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
    207RC0000XCardiovascular Disease PhysicianAn internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
    261QR0400XRehabilitation Clinic/CenterAmbulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    2084P0800XPsychiatry PhysicianA Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, …
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    207RE0101XEndocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism PhysicianAn internist who concentrates on disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. This specialist also deals with …
    2278S1500XSNF/Subacute Care Certified Respiratory TherapistCare of residents in a long-term care environment. Respiratory modalities delivered include those similar in the general care and critical care areas…
    2081S0010XSports Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) PhysicianA physician who specializes in Sports Medicine is responsible for continuous care related to the enhancement of health and fitness as well as the prev…

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    22 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    H57.9Unspecified disorder of eye and adnexa
    H66.90Otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear
    J01.90Acute sinusitis, unspecified
    J01.91Acute recurrent sinusitis, unspecified
    J02.9Acute pharyngitis, unspecified
    J30.1Allergic rhinitis due to pollen
    J30.9Allergic rhinitis, unspecified
    J31.0Chronic rhinitis
    J32.0Chronic maxillary sinusitis
    J32.1Chronic frontal sinusitis

    Showing 1–10 of 22

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Neurology/Neurosurgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Lumbar Microdiscectomyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Cervical Intervertebral Discuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Nerve Fiber Density Testing (IENFD/ENFD) Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Biomarker Testing for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Neurologic DiseasesOscar Health2026-10-01
    Biochemical Markers of Alzheimer Disease and DementiaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Serum Testing For Evidence of Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryOscar Health2026-10-01
    Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid, Urine and Plasma for Alzheimer DiseaseBluecross Idaho2026-09-01
    Prior Authorization of Spinal ProceduresBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-09-01
    Alzheimer's Disease - Amyloid Beta- Directed Antibodies - KisunlaCigna2026-08-15

    Related Codes

    CPT-70010-POSTERIOR-CRANIAL-FOSSA-CONTRAST-IMAGING-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 70010: CT Posterior Cranial Fossa With Contrast

    CPT-70015-BASAL-CISTERN-BRAIN-IMAGING-SUPERVISION-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 70015: Basal Cistern Brain Imaging, Supervision and Interpretation

    CPT-70030-EYE-XRAY-FOREIGN-BODY-EVALUATION

    CPT 70030: Orbital X‑ray for Foreign Body Evaluation

    CPT-70100-MANDIBLE-X-RAY-ONE-TO-THREE-VIEWS

    CPT 70100: Mandible X‑ray, 1–3 Views

    CPT-70110-MANDIBLE-X-RAY-4-OR-MORE-VIEWS

    CPT 70110: Mandible X‑ray, Four or More Views

    CPT-70120-MASTOID-X-RAY-FEWER-THAN-3-VIEWS

    CPT 70120: Mastoid X‑ray, Limited (fewer than 3 views per side)

    CPT-70130-MASTOID-X-RAY-SERIES-MASTOIDITIS-VESTIBULAR-EVALUATION

    CPT 70130: Mastoid X‑ray, Minimum Three Views Per Side

    CPT-70134-INTERNAL-AUDITORY-CANAL-RADIOGRAPHY

    CPT 70134: X‑ray of Internal Auditory Canals and Temporal Bone

    CPT-70140-FACIAL-BONES-XRAY-FEWER-THAN-THREE-VIEWS

    CPT 70140: Facial Bones X‑Ray, Fewer Than Three Views

    CPT-70150-FACIAL-BONES-XRAY-THREE-VIEWS

    CPT 70150: Facial Bones X‑ray, Three Views

    Showing 1–10 of 66

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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