Summary & Overview
CPT 73562: Three-View Radiographic Examination of the Knee
CPT code 73562 covers a three‑view radiographic examination of the knee used to evaluate fractures, joint effusion, swelling, or other sources of knee pain. As a commonly performed diagnostic imaging study, this code is widely used across emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient radiology suites, and hospital imaging departments. Its proper coding affects clinical workflow, documentation, and claims adjudication nationwide.
Key payers discussed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical indications, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations tied to CPT code 73562. The publication provides national benchmark context, relevant policy and coverage considerations affecting imaging utilization, and practical notes on documentation elements that support medical necessity for knee radiographs. The content is intended to inform revenue cycle, clinical, and compliance teams about the role of this diagnostic code in ambulatory and acute care settings.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD‑10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73562 describes a three-view radiographic examination of the knee. The procedure involves obtaining three X‑ray images to evaluate the knee joint for fracture, effusion, swelling, or other causes of pain.
Service Type: Diagnostic radiology — extremity imaging
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient radiology department, hospital imaging center, or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient presents to the emergency department after twisting the knee during a soccer match with localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. The ED clinician performs a focused history and physical exam noting joint line tenderness and limited range of motion. To evaluate for acute fracture, joint effusion, or bony abnormality, the provider orders knee radiographs. The radiology technologist acquires three plain X‑ray views of the affected knee (73562) — typically anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and weight‑bearing or sunrise/merchant as indicated — and sends images to the radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist documents findings (for example, no acute fracture, small effusion, or degenerative changes) and reports results back to the ED clinician who integrates imaging into disposition and treatment planning (e.g., immobilization, analgesia, referral to orthopedics, or discharge with activity modification). Typical sites of service include the emergency department, urgent care clinic, and outpatient radiology departments or ambulatory imaging centers.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation/read of the X‑ray separate from technical imaging. |