Summary & Overview
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.
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 |