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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Head and NeckCPT cpt-70370-pharynx-larynx-fluoroscopic-exam-swallowing-breathing
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    CPT 70370: Fluoroscopic Examination of Pharynx and Larynx

    Medicare pays $70 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 70370 describes a diagnostic procedure using fluoroscopy and/or magnification to visualize the pharynx and larynx for evaluation of swallowing function, airway dynamics, or abnormalities of the voice box; service type: dynamic radiographic examination of the pharynx/larynx; typical site of service: outpatient radiology suite, hospital radiology department, or specialized swallowing clinic where fluoroscopic imaging is available.

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

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult referred to an otolaryngology or speech-language pathology team for evaluation of dysphagia, aspiration, unexplained coughing with eating, or voice and breathing abnormalities. The clinician schedules a dynamic radiographic swallowing study using fluoroscopy and magnification to visualize bolus transit through the oral cavity, pharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter and to assess laryngeal function.

    A typical workflow: the patient arrives to an outpatient radiology suite or an ambulatory procedure area accompanied by a clinician (otolaryngologist or speech-language pathologist). After brief history and consent, the patient is given standardized food and liquid consistencies mixed with radiopaque contrast. Real-time fluoroscopy with magnification is performed while the patient swallows to identify penetration, aspiration, residue, delayed swallow initiation, or structural abnormalities of the pharynx and larynx. The procedure is documented with findings, impressions, and recommendations for diet modification, therapy, or further ENT evaluation. Images and cine loops are archived to the PACS for the radiology report and multidisciplinary review.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    31575Laryngoscopy, flexible or rigid; diagnosticUsed for direct visualization of larynx/upper airway as complementary ENT exam
    92610Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing functionOften performed by speech-language pathologists as a bedside or clinical swallow evaluation prior to fluoroscopic study
    74220Fluoroscopic exam of pharynx and swallowing function (single or multiple) without contrastAlternative radiologic code for dynamic swallowing studies depending on payer rules
    71045Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontalPerformed if aspiration pneumonia is suspected or to evaluate pulmonary status related to swallowing abnormalities
    31579Laryngoscopy with stroboscopyPerformed when voice abnormalities or vibratory function of vocal folds need further assessment alongside swallowing study

    Related Modifiers

    7 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…
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207Y00000XOtolaryngology PhysicianAn otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ea…
    235Z00000XSpeech-Language PathologistThe speech-language pathologist is the professional who engages in clinical services, prevention, advocacy, education, administration, and research in…
    363A00000XPhysician AssistantA physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and…
    2080P0214XPediatric Pulmonology PhysicianA pediatrician dedicated to the prevention and treatment of all respiratory diseases affecting infants, children and young adults. This specialist is …
    207RP1001XPulmonary Disease PhysicianAn internist who treats diseases of the lungs and airways. The pulmonologist diagnoses and treats cancer, pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, occupational an…
    367H00000XAnesthesiologist AssistantAn individual certified by the state to perform anesthesia services under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologist Assistants …
    2086S0102XSurgical Critical Care PhysicianA surgeon with expertise in the management of the critically ill and postoperative patient, particularly the trauma victim, who specializes in critica…
    305R00000XPreferred Provider OrganizationA group of physicians and/or hospitals who contract with an employer to provide services to their employees. In a PPO, the patient may got to the phys…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Neurology/Neurosurgery1 / 3

    7 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Artificial Cervical Intervertebral Discuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Microdiscectomyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    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

    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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