73500

Clinical Indications

• Acute or chronic hip pain (e.g., from injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions)
• Suspected fracture or stress fracture of the proximal femur, acetabulum, or pelvis
• Evaluation of hip dislocation or subluxation
• Assessment of degenerative joint disease (e.g., osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis)
• Evaluation of developmental or congenital hip abnormalities (e.g., hip dysplasia)
• Detection and localization of foreign bodies in or around the hip joint
• Monitoring of known bone lesions, metabolic bone disease, or other bony pathology
• Post-operative evaluation of hip hardware, alignment, or complications

Procedure Steps

1. Patient positioning: The patient is typically positioned supine on the X-ray table. The affected leg is usually internally rotated approximately 15 degrees to optimize visualization of the femoral neck in an AP (anteroposterior) view.
2. Image acquisition: A single X-ray beam is directed towards the hip joint, centered appropriately to capture the relevant anatomy. Radiologic technologists adjust exposure factors (kVp and mAs) based on patient size and suspected pathology.
3. Radiation safety: Lead shielding is applied to sensitive areas outside the examination field to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient.
4. Image processing: The acquired radiographic image is processed digitally, allowing for review, manipulation (e.g., brightness, contrast), and archiving in a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
5. Quality control: The radiologic technologist reviews the image for diagnostic quality, proper positioning, adequate penetration, and artifacts.
6. Radiologist interpretation: A qualified radiologist reviews the images, dictates a comprehensive report detailing the findings, and communicates these findings to the referring physician.

Coding Guidelines

• Code 73500 is specifically for a unilateral (one side) hip examination with a single radiographic view. If only one hip is imaged, use modifiers RT (Right side) or LT (Left side) to specify the side examined.
• For a bilateral hip examination (both hips), use CPT code 73520 (Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral, one view each).
• If more than one view of a single hip is performed, do not use 73500. Use 73501 for 2-3 views of one hip, or 73502 for 4 or more views of one hip.
• A written order from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional and a documented interpretation and report by a qualified physician are required for billing purposes. The report should explicitly state the number of views and the specific projections performed.
• Radiologic examinations typically do not have a global period. However, diagnostic X-rays of the operative site performed during the same operative session are generally included in the global surgical package, unless performed for a distinct diagnostic purpose and appropriately documented with modifier 59 or XU.

Associated ICD-10 Codes

• M16.10 - Unspecified unilateral primary osteoarthritis, hip
• S72.001A - Unspecified fracture of head of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture
• M25.551 - Pain in right hip
• Q65.81 - Other specified congenital deformity of right hip
• M87.051 - Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of head of right femur
• S73.001A - Unspecified subluxation of right hip, initial encounter
• S73.101A - Unspecified dislocation of right hip, initial encounter
• R10.2 - Pelvic and perineal pain
• M24.551 - Contracture, right hip
• Z87.310 - Personal history of (nontraumatic) joint replacement of hip