Summary & Overview
CPT 73100: Two-View Radiographic Examination of the Wrist
CPT code 73100 represents a two-view radiographic examination of the wrist used to detect fractures, dislocations, swelling, or other causes of wrist pain. As a common diagnostic imaging service, this code is widely used across emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient radiology suites, and hospital imaging departments. Accurate coding of this service affects clinical documentation, utilization tracking, and payer adjudication.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the code, typical sites of service, and the usual payers that cover wrist radiography. The publication also summarizes relevant billing considerations, common modifiers associated with imaging services, and where CPT 73100 fits within radiology service lines.
This national-level summary highlights operational and billing context rather than state-specific policy. It is intended for coding professionals, radiology administrators, and policy analysts seeking clear, practical information about the clinical use and payer landscape for CPT code 73100.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73100 describes a two-view radiographic examination of the wrist. The procedure involves obtaining two X-ray images to evaluate for fracture, swelling, or other causes of wrist pain.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiology, plain film X‑ray of the wrist
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Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology suite, hospital radiology department, urgent care, or emergency department
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old patient presents to the emergency department after a fall onto an outstretched hand with acute wrist pain, localized swelling, and decreased range of motion. The clinician performs a focused history and physical exam noting point tenderness at the distal radius and reduced wrist function. To evaluate for fracture, dislocation, or other bony injury, the provider orders two-view wrist radiographs. The radiology technologist positions the wrist and obtains a posteroanterior (PA) and lateral view using appropriate shielding. Images are reviewed by the interpreting radiologist or the treating clinician; results guide immediate management (e.g., immobilization, orthopedic referral, or further imaging such as CT). Typical documentation includes indication, views obtained, technique, laterality, comparison studies if any, and the interpretation noting the presence or absence of fracture, alignment, and significant soft-tissue findings.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician's professional component for the radiographic interpretation. |
TC | Technical component |