CPT 77072Radiology

Bone age studies

CPT code 77072 is used when a radiologist examines X-rays of a child's hand and wrist to determine their skeletal maturity compared to their chronological age. This helps diagnose growth disorders, hormonal problems, or predict final adult height.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$24.91

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.19

PE RVU (NF)

0.56

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

0.77

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific atlas method used (Greulich-Pyle vs. Tanner-Whitehouse) in the radiology report, as this demonstrates standardized methodology and supports medical necessity
Impact: Reduces denial risk by 30-40% and strengthens appeal success for medical necessity challenges
Ensure ordering provider's diagnosis code clearly indicates an endocrine, growth, or developmental disorder rather than routine screening, as many payers deny bone age studies for non-medical purposes
Impact: Prevents 60-70% of medical necessity denials; use ICD-10 codes like E34.3 (short stature), E30.1 (precocious puberty), or E23.0 (hypopituitarism) rather than Z00.00 (routine exam)
Bill 77072 separately from the hand radiograph technical component (73120-TC) when both are performed, as the bone age interpretation is distinct from routine hand imaging
Impact: Captures full $24.91 reimbursement that might otherwise be bundled; verify payer-specific bundling edits
For repeat bone age studies, document interval of at least 6 months and clinical reason for reassessment (treatment monitoring, growth velocity change) to support medical necessity
Impact: Frequency limitations vary by payer; proper documentation supports approval for studies performed more than once annually, avoiding $24.91 denials
When billing for teleradiology interpretation, ensure documentation includes all required elements in the final report and that the interpreting radiologist is credentialed with the facility and payer
Impact: Prevents denials related to non-credentialed providers or incomplete reports; maintains full reimbursement
Cross-reference the bone age result with the patient's chronological age in the report (e.g., 'skeletal age 10.5 years in a chronological 12-year-old patient') to demonstrate clinical correlation

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Frequently asked questions

What is the CPT code for bone age X-ray?

CPT code 77072 is used for bone age studies, which involve radiographic assessment and interpretation of skeletal maturity. This code represents the professional interpretation component, while the actual X-ray acquisition (typically of the left hand and wrist) is separately reported using CPT 73120 with modifier TC for the technical component.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 77072 in 2025?

Medicare pays $24.91 for CPT 77072 in 2025 based on the national average non-facility rate. This rate is identical for both facility and non-facility settings, with a total RVU of 0.77 (0.19 work RVU, 0.56 practice expense RVU, and 0.02 malpractice RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

How often can you bill for bone age studies?

There is no specific Medicare frequency limitation for CPT 77072, but medical necessity must be documented for each study. Most payers consider bone age studies medically necessary at 6-12 month intervals when monitoring growth disorders or treatment response. More frequent studies require clear documentation of clinical status changes, treatment initiation, or diagnostic uncertainty to avoid medical necessity denials.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for bone age studies?

Common ICD-10 codes supporting CPT 77072 include E34.3 (short stature), E22.0 (acromegaly and pituitary gigantism), E30.1 (precocious puberty), E30.0 (delayed puberty), E23.0 (hypopituitarism), E34.51 (constitutional tall stature), and Q96 (Turner syndrome). Routine screening codes like Z00.00 or Z76.5 typically result in medical necessity denials.

Do you need prior authorization for bone age studies?

Prior authorization requirements for CPT 77072 vary by payer and state. Medicare does not typically require prior authorization for bone age studies, but many Medicare Advantage plans and commercial payers do require it, especially for repeat studies. Always verify authorization requirements with the specific payer before ordering to avoid denials and the full $24.91 payment loss.

Can you bill bone age interpretation separately from hand X-ray?

Yes, CPT 77072 for bone age interpretation is reported separately from CPT 73120 (hand X-ray). The bone age code represents specialized skeletal maturity assessment using standardized atlases, while 73120 represents routine anatomic evaluation. Some payers may bundle these codes, so verify payer-specific edits and consider modifier 59 on 77072 if both services are performed and documented as distinct.

What is the difference between Greulich-Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse bone age methods for billing?

For CPT 77072 billing purposes, there is no reimbursement difference between Greulich-Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse methods—both receive the same $24.91 Medicare payment. However, documenting the specific method used in the radiology report strengthens medical necessity justification and audit defense. Greulich-Pyle is more commonly used in the United States, while Tanner-Whitehouse provides more detailed scoring and may be preferred in research settings.