CPT 73080: Elbow X‑ray, Minimum 3 Views
CPT code 73080 denotes a diagnostic radiology procedure: an extremity X‑ray of the elbow with a minimum of three views. This code is used when clinicians need imaging to evaluate suspected fractures, dislocations, degenerative changes, bone lesions, or congenital abnormalities of the elbow. Nationally, this basic diagnostic service is commonly billed across emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient imaging facilities, and hospital radiology departments.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes coverage patterns, typical sites of service, and clinical context for use of CPT code 73080. Readers will find concise benchmarks for utilization and payment where available, descriptions of clinical scenarios that commonly generate the code, and notes on documentation elements generally associated with extremity radiography. The report also outlines common modifiers and billing considerations relevant to imaging services and highlights where data is not available in the input.
This summary is intended for billing managers, radiology administrators, and policy analysts seeking a national overview of the clinical purpose and billing context for CPT code 73080.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73080 describes radiologic imaging of the elbow with a minimum of three views. The procedure is an extremity X‑ray used to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities affecting the elbow. Imaging focuses on the affected site, and comparative images of an unaffected site may be obtained when clinically indicated.
Service type: Diagnostic radiology — extremity X‑ray (elbow), minimum 3 views
Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or urgent care/clinic setting where diagnostic X‑rays are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old male presents to an urgent care clinic after falling onto his outstretched hand while playing basketball. He reports immediate elbow pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The treating clinician performs a focused musculoskeletal exam noting tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and decreased active flexion/extension. To evaluate for fracture, dislocation, or joint effusion, the clinician orders elbow radiographs with a minimum of three views. The patient is escorted to the radiology suite where a radiologic technologist obtains anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views of the affected elbow. Images are reviewed by the on-site radiologist who documents no acute displaced fracture but notes a small joint effusion and soft-tissue swelling. The ordering clinician receives the report and documents the imaging results in the encounter note, correlates with clinical findings, and updates the treatment plan (immobilization, analgesia, and follow-up). Typical service type is diagnostic radiology imaging; typical site of service is outpatient radiology or hospital outpatient/urgent care imaging facilities.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the physician interpretation/report separate from technical imaging |
TC | Technical component | When billing only facility/technical portion (equipment, technologist) |
RT | Right side | When the imaging study is of the right elbow |
LT | Left side | When the imaging study is of the left elbow |
50 | Bilateral procedure | When bilateral elbow radiographs are obtained and payer accepts bilateral modifier |
76 | Repeat procedure by same physician/technologist | When the same service is repeated due to positioning or inadequate initial study |
77 | Repeat procedure by another physician/technologist | When repeated by a different technologist for inadequate initial images |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Rarely used; for distinct separate services on same date (use with caution per payer rules) |
52 | Reduced services | When fewer views are obtained than typical or examination is curtailed |
53 | Discontinued service | When procedure started but discontinued due to patient intolerance or medical condition |
56 | Preoperative evaluation | When imaging is performed as part of preoperative planning (facility billing context) |
25 | Significant, separately identifiable E/M service | When an E/M visit on the same day is significant and separate from the imaging order |
22 | Increased procedural services | Rarely applicable; for unusually complex positioning or prolonged time when documented |
24 | Unrelated E/M service during postoperative period | When imaging ordered for an unrelated problem during global period |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207RH0000X | Radiology (Diagnostic Radiology) | Interpreting radiologists and diagnostic imaging specialists |
| 207RC0000X | Emergency Medicine | Emergency physicians frequently order and interpret bedside radiographs or request radiology reads |
| 207L00000X | Orthopedic Surgery | Orthopedists commonly order and review elbow radiographs for fracture management |
| 207Q00000X | Family Medicine | Primary care and urgent care clinicians commonly order extremity X-rays |
| 207K00000X | Sports Medicine | Sports medicine physicians order and interpret in athletic injury contexts |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
S52.901A | Unspecified fracture of right elbow, initial encounter for closed fracture | Elbow radiographs are ordered to confirm and characterize suspected fractures |
S52.902A | Unspecified fracture of left elbow, initial encounter for closed fracture | As above for left-sided injuries |
S43.401A | Subluxation of right elbow, initial encounter | Imaging used to evaluate joint alignment and possible associated fractures |
S43.402A | Subluxation of left elbow, initial encounter | As above for left-sided subluxation |
M25.512 | Pain in right elbow | Non-specific elbow pain prompting diagnostic radiographs |
M25.511 | Pain in left elbow | As above for left-sided pain |
M17.0 | Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee | Data not directly related to elbow imaging; Data not available in the input. |
M06.9 | Rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified | Chronic inflammatory arthropathies may prompt elbow radiographs for erosive changes |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
73060 | Radiologic examination, humerus; 1 view | May be ordered when injury involves proximal humerus or to extend imaging beyond the elbow |
73070 | Radiologic examination, humerus; minimum of 2 views | Alternate humerus study when two views suffice in the clinical workflow |
73090 | Radiologic examination, forearm; minimum of 2 views | Performed when injury extends into the forearm requiring additional imaging |
73110 | Radiologic examination, shoulder; minimum of 2 views | Ordered when mechanism suggests shoulder involvement or to evaluate adjacent joints |
72020 | Radiologic examination, chest; single view | May be ordered preoperatively or to evaluate cardiopulmonary status if indicated |
99213 | Office/outpatient established patient visit, typically 15 minutes | Common E/M code for the clinician visit that results in ordering elbow radiographs |