Summary & Overview
CPT 73564: Knee Radiographs, Four or More Views
CPT code 73564 denotes a diagnostic radiography service of the knee involving four or more views to identify fractures, effusion, or other causes of knee pain. As a commonly ordered acute and outpatient imaging study, this code is important for emergency departments, orthopedic practices, and imaging centers nationwide because it guides clinical decision-making for suspected knee injury and influences utilization and billing workflows.
Key payers in the national landscape include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise description of the clinical context for ordering a multi‑view knee series, typical sites of service, and how this service fits into imaging pathways for acute knee complaints. The publication also summarizes common billing considerations and benchmarks where available, highlights policy updates affecting radiology claims processing, and clarifies documentation elements that support medical necessity.
This summary is intended for billing managers, radiology administrators, clinicians who order knee imaging, and payer policy analysts seeking a practical reference to CPT code 73564 and its role in routine knee radiography.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73564 describes radiographic imaging of the knee with four or more views to evaluate for fracture, swelling, or sources of knee pain. The procedure captures multiple X‑ray projections of the knee joint to assess bony alignment, joint spaces, and acute osseous injury.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging, radiography (knee series)
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or physician office-based radiology suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old patient presents to an urgent care clinic after twisting the right knee while playing soccer and reports immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. The clinician performs a focused musculoskeletal exam noting focal tenderness along the joint line and limited range of motion. To evaluate for fracture, acute effusion, or other bony abnormality, the provider orders a radiographic examination of the knee with four or more views. The patient is positioned on an X-ray table or upright in the radiology suite; typical views include anteroposterior (AP), lateral, sunrise (patellofemoral), and tunnel (intercondylar) projections. The technologist documents laterality; images are acquired and submitted to the interpreting provider (radiologist or orthopedic surgeon). The imaging report documents findings such as fracture, dislocation, joint effusion, degenerative changes, or soft-tissue swelling. Billing is submitted using 73564 for a complete knee radiographic series of four or more views. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology department, urgent care center, or hospital emergency department.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation of the radiographs separate from the technical component |