73501

Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 1 view

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 73501 describes a unilateral radiologic examination (X-ray) of the hip joint that consists of exactly one distinct view. This procedure may optionally include imaging of the pelvis if performed during the same encounter, but the core distinguishing factor is the single view obtained of the targeted hip. This code is frequently utilized in urgent care, emergency, and orthopedic settings as a first-line diagnostic tool to quickly assess the osseous structures of the hip and surrounding pelvic region. The hip joint is a major weight-bearing ball-and-socket joint comprising the femoral head and the acetabulum of the pelvis. Patients presenting with acute onset hip pain, recent trauma, suspected dislocation, or chronic issues such as advanced osteoarthritis may undergo this targeted single-view study. Often, an anteroposterior (AP) view is captured with the patient lying supine on the radiography table. The patient's legs are typically internally rotated to present the femoral neck parallel to the image receptor, allowing for optimal visualization of the joint space, femoral head, neck, and greater/lesser trochanters. During the procedure, a radiologic technologist ensures appropriate positioning while employing necessary radiation protection measures such as gonadal shielding, where appropriate and not interfering with the region of interest. The X-ray tube is aligned, and the exposure is taken. The resultant digital image is transmitted to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for evaluation. A qualified physician, typically a radiologist or treating orthopedic surgeon, reviews the image to detect abnormalities. Findings may include fractures of the proximal femur, acetabular fractures, joint effusions, narrowing of the joint space indicative of degenerative joint disease, avascular necrosis, or the status of previously placed orthopedic hardware (such as pins, screws, or total hip arthroplasty components). Accurate reporting of CPT 73501 relies heavily on documentation confirming that only a single view of the designated hip was performed. If two views are obtained, 73502 should be reported, and for three or more views, 73503 is appropriate. By accurately capturing the unilateral, single-view nature of the service, providers ensure correct procedural tracking and reimbursement while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient by utilizing the minimum number of views clinically necessary.

Clinical Indications

  • Acute or chronic localized hip pain
  • Suspected fracture of the proximal femur or acetabulum
  • Evaluation of known or suspected hip dislocation
  • Assessment of primary or secondary osteoarthritis
  • Post-operative evaluation of hip arthroplasty or internal fixation hardware
  • Suspected avascular necrosis of the femoral head
  • Evaluation of bony pathology, cysts, or neoplastic lesions in the hip region

Procedure Steps

  1. Verify patient identity and confirm the specific hip (right or left) to be examined and the clinical indication.
  2. Instruct the patient to remove any clothing or metallic objects over the pelvic and hip region that may cause artifacts.
  3. Position the patient on the radiography table, typically in a supine position for an anteroposterior (AP) view.
  4. Internally rotate the patient's lower limb on the affected side by approximately 15 to 20 degrees to position the femoral neck parallel to the image receptor.
  5. Apply appropriate radioprotective shielding to the patient without obscuring the relevant diagnostic anatomy.
  6. Align the central X-ray beam to the femoral neck of the affected hip.
  7. Instruct the patient to hold completely still to prevent motion artifact, and activate the X-ray exposure to capture the single view.
  8. Process the digital image and review it for technical quality, ensuring optimal contrast and visualization of the hip joint and applicable pelvic structures.
  9. Transmit the final image to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for formal interpretation by a radiologist or authorized physician.

Coding Guidelines

  • Report CPT 73501 when exactly one radiologic view of a single hip is obtained.
  • Do not report CPT 73501 in conjunction with CPT 72170 (Radiologic examination, pelvis; 1 or 2 views) if performed during the same session, as imaging of the pelvis is included in 73501 when performed.
  • Append anatomic modifier RT (Right side) or LT (Left side) to indicate the specific hip examined.
  • If two views of the unilateral hip are performed, report CPT 73502 instead of 73501.
  • If three or more views of the unilateral hip are performed, report CPT 73503 instead of 73501.
  • For bilateral hip examinations, refer to codes 73521, 73522, or 73523 based on the total number of views obtained.
  • Ensure documentation explicitly states the number of views and the laterality of the hip examined to support the selected code.

Associated ICD-10 Codes