Summary & Overview
CPT 70350: Skull and Jaw Radiographs for Orthodontic Measurement
CPT code 70350 covers radiographic imaging of the skull and jaws to obtain cranial measurements for orthodontic placement. Nationally, this code is used by orthodontists, oral surgeons, and radiology providers to document diagnostic imaging that informs treatment planning and appliance positioning. Accurate coding ensures appropriate claims processing and alignment with imaging documentation standards.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how 70350 is applied in clinical workflows, typical sites of service where these images are obtained, and the clinical context for ordering craniofacial radiographs. The publication summarizes common billing themes, claims considerations, and benchmark references where available. It also highlights areas where policy updates or payer-specific coverage wording can affect coding and reimbursement decisions.
This summary is intended to provide a concise reference for billing professionals, compliance officers, and clinical staff involved in orthodontic imaging. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 70350 describes radiographic imaging of the skull and jaws performed to obtain cranial measurements used for orthodontic placement. This service involves taking X‑ray images focused on craniofacial structures to support orthodontic treatment planning and appliance positioning.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiology for craniofacial measurement
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Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology suite, dental/orthodontic clinic, or hospital radiology department
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 14-year-old adolescent referred by an orthodontist for pre-orthodontic craniofacial imaging. The patient arrives at an outpatient radiology or dental imaging center. The technologist verifies identity, obtains history (prior craniofacial surgery, pregnancy for females of childbearing age), and confirms the requested study: lateral and/or PA skull radiographs and jaw measurements to assist orthodontic treatment planning. Standard positioning is used to capture cephalometric landmarks; images are acquired digitally and reviewed for technical adequacy. The interpreting provider (often an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, dental specialist, or radiologist) performs cranial measurements from the radiographs to guide appliance placement and surgical planning if indicated. Images and measurement report are uploaded to the electronic medical record and communicated to the referring orthodontist for treatment planning. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology center, dental office with imaging capability, or hospital outpatient imaging department. Service type: diagnostic radiology — cephalometric/skull and jaw radiographs for orthodontic measurement.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the physician interpretation separate from technical component. |