Summary & Overview
CPT 77076: Infant Skeletal X‑ray
CPT code 77076 denotes radiographic imaging of an infant’s skeletal system. As a diagnostic radiology CPT code, it is used to obtain X‑ray images of bones in neonates and young infants for evaluation of congenital anomalies, developmental concerns, trauma, or suspected fractures. Accurate coding of this procedure is important for consistent clinical documentation, appropriate claims submission, and national utilization monitoring.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for infant skeletal radiography, common sites of service where the procedure is provided, and the payer landscape relevant to reimbursement and coverage. The publication also presents benchmarks for utilization and coding practice, highlights recent policy updates affecting imaging services where applicable, and explains typical billing considerations associated with pediatric radiology services.
This summary is intended for health policy analysts, revenue cycle leaders, and clinical managers seeking a national perspective on the use and administration of CPT code 77076 in pediatric imaging workflows.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 77076 describes radiographic imaging of an infant's skeletal system. This procedure involves obtaining X‑ray images focused on the bones of a neonate or young infant to assess development, congenital anomalies, fractures, or other skeletal concerns.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiology (infant skeletal X‑ray)
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or emergency department where pediatric radiography is performed.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
An infant (neonate or young infant up to 12 months) presents to the emergency department or pediatric radiology suite after a fall from a short height, suspected non-accidental trauma, or with generalized skeletal pain or deformity noted on exam. The pediatrician or emergency physician orders radiographic imaging of the infant’s entire skeletal system to evaluate for acute fractures, healing fractures of different ages, metabolic bone disease, or congenital skeletal anomalies. A pediatric radiologic technologist performs a series of plain radiographic views covering the skull, chest, spine, pelvis, and all long bones according to institutional pediatric skeletal survey protocols. The radiologist documents findings, provides an interpretive report, and communicates urgent findings to the referring clinician. Typical sites of service include the hospital radiology department, emergency department radiology suite, or outpatient pediatric imaging center. Billing uses 77076 for radiographic skeletal survey of an infant when reporting the comprehensive series of x-rays as described.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When only the radiologist’s interpretation is billed separately from technical component |