CPT Code 73521: Radiologic Examination, Hip, Bilateral

What is a radiologic examination of the hip, bilateral?

CPT Code 73521 describes a bilateral hip radiographic examination with two views. This diagnostic imaging procedure is commonly used by physicians to assess suspected fractures, arthritis, developmental dysplasia, and other structural conditions affecting both hips.

CPT code 73521 plays an important role in identifying hip-related pain or abnormalities in a wide range of patients. The radiology report must document the process, views performed, and any findings, ensuring that claims using code 73521 meet billing and documentation requirements for hospitals, offices, or imaging centers. When performed with pelvis imaging, proper coding must differentiate the hip X-ray from a separately reported pelvis study when appropriate.

Documentation requirements

For CPT code 73521, proper documentation is critical to ensure compliance and support the medical necessity of the radiologic examination. Radiology reports must include:

• Patient demographics: Full identification details to link the ray images and diagnostic imaging results to the correct patient.
• Indication for the examination: Clearly state the clinical reason, such as pain, suspected fractures, arthritis, or developmental issues involving the bilateral hips or pelvis.
• Views taken: Specify that a minimum of 2 views were performed, such as anterior-posterior (AP) and frog-leg lateral, which are standard for hip X-ray studies.
• Technical factors: Briefly mention important aspects like angles, exposure settings, and positioning details relevant to the imaging procedures.
• Findings: Provide detailed descriptions of anatomical structures, including the hips, pelvis, and proximal femur, as evaluated through the X-ray images.
• Radiologist interpretation: Include clinically relevant impressions, correlating anatomical findings with the patient’s presenting conditions and symptoms.
• Special notes: If a pelvis when performed study is performed at the same time, the report must differentiate it from the bilateral hip views to ensure correct claim submission and avoid billing issues.

Accurate documentation of the process, procedures performed, and findings is essential when billing CPT code 73521 across settings such as hospitals, offices, or imaging centers, and plays an important role in reducing denials and ensuring proper reimbursement.

Billing guidelines

When billing CPT code 73521, it is essential that the claim accurately reflects that bilateral hip imaging was performed. The radiologic examination must document that both hips were evaluated with a minimum of 2 views, typically including anterior-posterior (AP) and frog-leg lateral X-ray images.

Key points to remember:

• The bilateral aspect is inherent to CPT code 73521, so Modifier -50 (bilateral procedure) is not required.
• Documentation must specify that the bilateral hips were assessed and clearly describe the imaging procedures and X-ray images taken.
• If a pelvic when performed study should be conducted simultaneously, and it should be separately documented to avoid billing confusion.
• Ensure the claim is properly coded to distinguish this specific code from other hip X-ray or spine imaging services.
• Accurate billing supports correct reimbursement and helps prevent issues related to billing for diagnostic imaging across hospitals, imaging centers, or office settings.

Other relevant CPT codes

• 73522: Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral; 3-4 views
• 73523: Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral; minimum of 5 views