Loading...

    Explore
    • Policy Monitoring
    • Live Policy Feed
    • Billing Codes
    • NPI Medicare & Medicaid
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Health Insurance Payers
    • States
    • Service Lines
    • Taxonomy Codes
    Lookup tools
    • Billing Code Lookup
    • CPT Modifier Lookup
    • Provider Taxonomy Code Lookup
    • Healthcare Provider & Facility Lookup
    • Health Insurance Payer Lookup
    • Payer Contact Directory

    Policy & Benchmark Tools

    • Prior Authorization Lookup
    • Coverage Criteria Lookup
    • Timely Filing Lookup
    • Billing Code Reimbursement Rates
    • Payer Comparison Dashboard
    • Facility Comparison Dashboard
    • All tools

    Company

    • About OpenPayer
    • Data Sources
    • Trek Health
    OpenPayerby Trek Health
    LinkedInYouTube

    © 2026 Trek Health. All rights reserved.

    OpenPayer is built and maintained by Trek Health.

    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Lower ExtremitiesCPT cpt-73590-tibia-fibula-xray-two-views-lower-leg
    Ask Trek AI about this page

    CPT 73590: Two-View Tibia and Fibula X‑Ray

    Medicare pays $22 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 73590 describes a radiologic procedure consisting of two views of the tibia and fibula to evaluate for fracture, swelling, or causes of lower leg pain; the service is an diagnostic X‑ray typically performed in an outpatient radiology suite, emergency department, or urgent care setting to visualize the tibia and fibula bones and assist clinical decision‑making.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing), Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement), Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty).

    Customize your policy alerts

    Sign up for cpt 73590 policy alerts

    Get alerted when payer policies referencing 73590 are released or updated.

    Monitor payer policy activity

    Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 6

    Explore openpayer tools

    • Billing CodesCPT, HCPCS, DRG & more
    • Reimbursement RatesCommercial vs. Medicare rate reports
    • ProvidersHospitals & facilities
    • PayersPlans & market footprint
    • Taxonomy CodesNUCC specialty codes
    • ModifiersCPT modifiers & usage
    • Prior AuthorizationPA policies by payer & drug
    • Timely FilingFiling deadlines by payer
    • Coverage CriteriaMedical necessity by payer
    • Payer ContactsClaims, PA & appeals contacts
    View all tools

    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 28-year-old male presents to the emergency department after twisting his lower leg during a recreational soccer game. He reports localized pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Physical exam shows tenderness along the midshaft of the tibia and minimal deformity. The treating clinician orders radiographic imaging to evaluate for fracture of the tibia and fibula. In the radiology suite or emergency department imaging area, a radiologic technologist performs the diagnostic exam using 73590 — two-view radiographs of the tibia and fibula (typically anteroposterior and lateral). Images are reviewed by a radiologist who documents findings (e.g., nondisplaced tibial shaft fracture vs. soft-tissue swelling). Results are communicated to the ED clinician for treatment planning (e.g., splinting, orthopedic referral). Typical sites of service include the emergency department, urgent care center, and outpatient radiology/imaging centers.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    73590Radiologic examination, tibia and fibula; 2 viewsThis is the primary two-view series used to evaluate suspected tibial or fibular fracture or lower leg pain.
    73600Radiologic examination, ankle; 3 viewsPerformed when clinical concern extends to the ankle or when ankle injury is suspected in conjunction with tibia/fibula imaging.
    73700Radiologic examination, tibia and fibula, complete; minimum 3 viewsUsed when a more extensive radiographic evaluation is clinically indicated (additional views beyond the two-view series).
    73000Radiologic examination, shoulder; 2 viewsExample of other extremity imaging that may be performed in multi-trauma evaluation; not typical for isolated tibia/fibula injury but relevant in broader trauma protocols.
    76000Fluoroscopic guidance for extremity fracture reductionPerformed when closed reduction under imaging guidance is required after radiographic diagnosis of fracture.
    99070Supplies and materials provided by the physician (e.g., splints, bandages)Billed when splinting materials are administered in the ED after radiographic confirmation of fracture.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    2085R0202XDiagnostic Radiology PhysicianA radiologist who utilizes x-ray, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease.
    261QP2300XPrimary Care Clinic/CenterAmbulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    174400000XSpecialistAn individual educated and trained in an applied knowledge discipline used in the performance of work at a level requiring knowledge and skills beyond…
    207XS0117XOrthopaedic Surgery of the Spine PhysicianRecognized by several state medical boards as a fellowship subspecialty program of orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic surgeons of the spine deal with th…
    2084S0012XSleep Medicine (Psychiatry & Neurology) PhysicianA Psychiatrist or Neurologist who practices Sleep Medicine is certified in the subspecialty of sleep medicine and specializes in the clinical assessme…
    322D00000XEmotionally Disturbed Childrens' Residential Treatment FacilityA residential facility that provides habilitation services and other care and treatment to children diagnosed with mental health illness, behavioral i…
    363LF0000XFamily Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
    174H00000XHealth EducatorHealth educators work in a variety of settings providing education to individuals or groups of individuals on healthy behaviors, wellness, and health-…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Orthopedics/Musculoskeletal1 / 4

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Osteochondral Grafting of the Kneeuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Resurfacinguniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Fusion (arthrodesis) with decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Sacroiliac Joint Fusion or Stabilizationuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Percutaneous Vertebroplasty/Mechanical Vertebral Augmentation and Percutaneous Sacroplastyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Shoulder Open ProceduresPremera Bluecross2026-09-04

    Related Codes

    CPT-73501-SINGLE-VIEW-HIP-XRAY

    CPT 73501: Single-View Hip Radiograph

    CPT-73502-HIP-XRAY-TWO-THREE-PROJECTIONS

    CPT 73502: Hip X‑ray, Two or Three Views (Single Hip)

    CPT-73503-HIP-XRAY-MULTIPLE-PROJECTIONS-UNILATERAL

    CPT 73503: Radiography, Hip, Minimum 4 Projections

    CPT-73521-BILATERAL-HIP-X-RAY-TWO-VIEWS

    CPT 73521: Bilateral Hip X‑Ray, Two Views

    CPT-73522-BILATERAL-HIP-X-RAYS-MULTIPLE-PROJECTIONS

    CPT 73522: Bilateral Hip X‑ray, Three to Four Views

    CPT-73523-BILATERAL-HIP-X-RAYS-MULTI-VIEW

    CPT 73523: Bilateral Hip X‑rays, Multiple Projections

    CPT-73525-HIP-ARTHROGRAPHY-IMAGING-SUPERVISION-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 73525: Hip Arthrography Imaging Supervision and Interpretation

    CPT-73551-SINGLE-VIEW-FEMUR-X-RAY

    CPT 73551: Single-Projection Femur X-Ray

    CPT-73552-FEMUR-XRAY-TWO-PROJECTIONS

    CPT 73552: Femur X‑ray, Minimum Two Projections

    CPT-73560-KNEE-XRAY-ONE-OR-TWO-VIEWS

    CPT 73560: Knee X‑Ray, One or Two Views

    Showing 1–10 of 33

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
    Published by

    Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

    Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.