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CPT 77080: Dual–Energy X‑Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) of Trunk
CPT code 77080 denotes a dual–energy X–ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan of one or more bony areas on the trunk to measure bone mineral density and detect osteopenia or osteoporosis. This diagnostic imaging code underpins clinical decision-making for fracture risk assessment and management of metabolic bone disease, making it a routine and nationally relevant service in preventive and chronic care.
Key payers in the analysis 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 payer landscape covering major national commercial insurers and Medicare. The publication summarizes coverage considerations, common billing modifiers, and operational implications for imaging providers.
The report equips readers with: clinical context for when DXA is billed using CPT code 77080; an outline of payer coverage presence among major insurers; and practical benchmarking and policy highlights relevant to billing, claims processing, and care pathways. Data not provided in the input (such as specific payer policies, frequency limits, or associated ICD-10 codes) are noted as unavailable where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 77080 describes a dual–energy X–ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging procedure of one or more bony areas on the trunk to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and assess for osteopenia or osteoporosis. The procedure is a diagnostic imaging service that produces quantitative measurements used in clinical evaluation of bone health.
Service Type: Diagnostic imaging — bone density measurement (DXA)
Typical Site of Service: Imaging center, hospital outpatient radiology department, or clinic-based radiology service
Data not available in the input.
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
Commercial averages sit well above Medicare for CPT 77080: Blue Cross Blue Shield and BUCA show notably higher means than Medicare’s mean. Medicare’s mean is $27.4 while BUCA’s commercial mean is $119.1, indicating a substantial gap between public and some commercial pricing for this code. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s mean of $175.7 and UnitedHealth Group’s mean of $43.7 further illustrate commercial variability around and above the Medicare level.
Dispersion measured by the interquartile spread (P75−P25) is widest for Blue Cross Blue Shield at $58.3 (P75 $198.8 − P25 $140.5), followed by BUCA at $49.7 (P75 $138.7 − P25 $88.5). The tightest spreads are Aetna at $35.1 and Cigna at $44.7, with UnitedHealth Group showing a spread of $38.3. Medicare’s reported IQR is $29 (P75 $39 − P25 $10), situating its variability lower than the largest commercial payers but above the narrowest commercial spread.