Summary & Overview
CPT 73060: Humerus X‑ray, Minimum Two Views
CPT code 73060 denotes a diagnostic X-ray of the humerus with a minimum of two views used to evaluate trauma, degenerative disease, neoplasm, or congenital abnormalities. As a commonly billed imaging service for upper-extremity complaints, it matters nationally for emergency care pathways, outpatient musculoskeletal assessment, and imaging utilization trends.
Key payers in the national context include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical indications, typical service settings (emergency departments, urgent care, outpatient radiology, and physician offices), and the basic structure of the procedure. The publication summarizes benchmarking and coverage patterns, highlights relevant policy updates affecting imaging utilization and prior authorization practices where applicable, and places the code in clinical context for common diagnostic scenarios.
The report aims to inform billing, coding, and utilization management teams about what CPT code 73060 represents, common sites of service, payer considerations, and the practical implications for workflows and documentation. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies and ICD-10 diagnoses.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73060 describes radiographic imaging of the humerus with a minimum of two views. This procedure is performed to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities affecting the humerus. The service focuses on the specific area of concern and may include comparison images of the contralateral site when clinically indicated.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiology — extremity X-ray
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Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology departments, emergency departments, urgent care centers, and physician offices equipped for diagnostic X-ray
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies and ICD-10 diagnoses.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents to an urgent care clinic after a fall onto the outstretched arm with localized pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the upper arm. The clinician performs a focused history and physical exam, documents point tenderness over the mid-humerus and decreased ability to lift the arm. To evaluate for fracture, dislocation, or other bony injury, the clinician orders plain radiographs of the humerus. Radiology staff obtain a minimum of two orthogonal views (typically AP and lateral) of the affected humerus using 73060. Images are reviewed by the interpreting provider (radiologist or qualified physician), findings documented in the radiology report, and images are made available in the electronic medical record. If fracture is identified, the treating clinician uses imaging to guide splinting, orthopedic referral, or further advanced imaging as indicated. If no acute osseous abnormality is seen, radiographs may be used to assess for alternative diagnoses such as bone lesion, degenerative change, or prior healed fracture.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
RT | Right side | Use when the right humerus is imaged to indicate laterality |
LT |