Summary & Overview
CPT 70330: Bilateral TMJ Radiography, Open and Closed Mouth
CPT code 70330 denotes bilateral temporomandibular joint radiography with open and closed mouth views, a focused diagnostic service used to assess TMJ pain and mechanical symptoms such as clicking that may reflect articular disc displacement. Nationally, this imaging code is relevant to dental, oral maxillofacial, and radiology practices managing patients with orofacial pain and suspected TMJ structural disorders. Payers commonly involved in coverage and claims for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find clinical context for when this code is used, typical sites of service, and the operational role of these views in diagnosing TMJ disorders. The publication provides benchmarks and policy- and billing-related considerations relevant to payers and providers, including documentation expectations and common utilization patterns. It also summarizes billing implications for outpatient radiology and dental/maxillofacial practices, and highlights areas where coverage criteria and medical necessity documentation can affect claim decisions. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 70330 describes radiographic imaging of both temporomandibular joints (TMJs) with the mouth both open and closed. The procedure is performed to evaluate patients with TMJ arthralgia or those who experience abnormal clicking of the jaw, findings that may indicate an articular disc disorder.
Service Type: Diagnostic radiography of bilateral TMJs with open and closed mouth views
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient radiology suite or dental/maxillofacial imaging clinic, often performed in ambulatory care settings where diagnostic jaw imaging is available.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient presents to an oral and maxillofacial clinic with several months of right-sided preauricular pain, intermittent locking, and audible clicking when opening and closing the jaw. The pain is worse with chewing and jaw function and partially relieved by soft diet and NSAIDs. The dentist refers the patient for imaging to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for suspected articular disc displacement or degenerative joint disease.
The provider schedules bilateral TMJ radiographic imaging performed with the mouth closed and mouth open to assess joint alignment, condylar translation, and presence of disc displacement or degenerative changes. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient radiology suite, dental office with radiography capabilities, or oral/maxillofacial clinic. The technologist obtains standardized bilateral TMJ views (open and closed), the images are reviewed by the interpreting physician (oral and maxillofacial radiologist or dentist with imaging privileges), and findings are documented in the radiology report to guide management such as conservative therapy, referral to oral surgery, or further advanced imaging (MRI) if soft-tissue assessment is required.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional interpretation of TMJ radiographs separate from technical services |