Summary & Overview
CPT 73040: Shoulder Arthrogram Imaging Supervision and Interpretation
CPT code 73040 represents imaging supervision and interpretation for a shoulder arthrogram, a fluoroscopic procedure in which contrast material and/or air are injected into the shoulder joint and a series of X‑rays are taken to evaluate joint structures. This code is used solely for the physician’s or qualified provider’s supervision and interpretation component of the arthrogram rather than for the injection or technical services. Nationally, shoulder arthrography is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating pathology such as degenerative joint disease, adhesive capsulitis, cartilage or labral tears, and other intra‑articular abnormalities.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical indications and service context for use of CPT code 73040, common payer considerations, and the types of benchmarks typically reported for imaging supervision and interpretation services. The publication outlines how this code is positioned relative to related procedural and technical components and summarizes what to expect in terms of sites of service and clinical scenarios where the code is applicable.
This summary is intended for a national audience and provides concise context for policy, billing, and clinical staff who manage or review shoulder arthrography imaging supervision and interpretation reporting.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73040 describes imaging supervision and interpretation of a shoulder joint arthrogram. The procedure involves injection of contrast material and/or air into the shoulder joint followed by a series of X‑rays to visualize contrast flow and evaluate joint structures for conditions such as arthritis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), cartilage tears, and other intra‑articular abnormalities.
Service Type: Imaging supervision and interpretation (arthrogram of the shoulder)
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient radiology department, ambulatory imaging center, or outpatient clinic where fluoroscopic arthrography is performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient presents with chronic anterior shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and progressive stiffness despite conservative management. Physical exam suggests possible adhesive capsulitis or a suspected labral or rotator cuff tear. The orthopedic surgeon orders a shoulder arthrogram to evaluate intra-articular structures. In the radiology suite, the patient is positioned on an X-ray table. Under sterile technique, the radiologist or qualified proceduralist injects iodinated contrast (and/or air) into the glenohumeral joint using fluoroscopic guidance. A series of dedicated radiographic views are obtained as contrast outlines the joint capsule, labrum, articular cartilage, and capsule-labral junction. The interpreting physician performs imaging supervision and interpretation of the arthrogram images, documents findings such as contrast extravasation, capsular contracture, labral tears, or cartilage defects, and issues a formal report. Billing for imaging supervision and interpretation only is reported with 73040 when the provider performs the interpretation and supervision portion but does not bill for the technical component (imaging equipment, technologist) separately or when the technical component is billed by another entity.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the physician interpretation and supervision for the arthrogram (professional component). |