Summary & Overview
CPT 73090: Two-View Forearm X‑Ray
CPT code 73090 covers a two‑view plain radiograph of the forearm performed to evaluate fractures, swelling, or focal forearm pain. Nationally, forearm radiography is a common diagnostic service used across emergency departments, urgent care centers, and outpatient imaging facilities to establish or rule out acute bony injury and guide immediate clinical decisions.
This publication discusses coverage and payment context for common national payers and Medicare. Key payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical framing of the service, typical sites of care, common billing modifiers, and which payer types commonly reimburse or manage this procedure.
The report provides benchmarking content and policy notes relevant to billing and claims processing for this diagnostic radiology service, plus operational considerations for coding the service line in episodic care encounters. Data not provided in the input are noted as unavailable where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73090 describes a radiographic procedure consisting of two X‑ray views of the forearm. The service is performed to evaluate fracture, swelling, or localized pain in the forearm region and produces diagnostic images for clinical assessment.
-
Service type: Diagnostic radiology, plain film X‑ray of the forearm
-
Typical site of service: Emergency department, urgent care, outpatient radiology clinic, or hospital radiology department
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old patient presents to the emergency department after falling on an outstretched hand during a recreational soccer match. The patient reports acute forearm pain, visible swelling over the distal radius/ulna region, and limited range of motion. The emergency physician performs a focused history and physical exam, documents localized tenderness and possible deformity, and orders forearm radiographs. The radiology technologist obtains two X‑ray views of the forearm using standard positioning (usually AP and lateral). Images are reviewed by the interpreting radiologist or ED physician to evaluate for fractures, dislocations, or other osseous injury. Final radiology report documents findings, impression, and any recommended follow-up (orthopedics referral or repeat imaging). Typical site of service is the emergency department, urgent care clinic, or outpatient radiology department for acute traumatic evaluation or follow-up imaging.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the interpreting physician's service separate from technical component |
TC | Technical component | When billing only the technical component (equipment and technologist) |