Radex osseous survey lmtd
CPT 77074 covers a limited bone survey, which is a series of X-rays taken of specific bones to look for abnormalities like fractures, tumors, or metabolic bone disease. This is a focused exam that images selected skeletal regions rather than the entire skeleton.
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
Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High
NCCI bundling edits
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Billing tips
Clearly document which specific anatomic regions were imaged in the limited survey to justify 77074 versus 77075 (complete survey) or individual bone X-rays
Impact: Prevents downcoding to individual bone films or denial for lack of specificity; protects full $63.40 reimbursement
Verify that the number of skeletal regions imaged meets payer definitions for 'limited' survey (typically 4-7 regions) versus complete survey
Impact: Incorrect code selection between 77074 and 77075 can result in $100+ reimbursement variance or denials
When billing split (professional/technical) services, ensure modifier 26 or TC is appended and coordinates with facility billing to avoid duplicate claims
Impact: Missing modifiers result in claim rejections; coordination prevents recoupment of approximately 50% of payment
Document medical necessity explicitly, especially for Medicare patients, citing specific clinical indications such as 'suspected multiple myeloma' or 'metabolic bone disease staging'
Impact: Lack of medical necessity documentation is the primary cause of denials; proper documentation prevents $63.40 loss per claim
Do not unbundle 77074 by billing individual anatomic site X-rays on the same date of service; use 77074 as the comprehensive code
Impact: Unbundling triggers payer audits and recoupment of all individual films, typically $200-400 in overpayments
For serial surveys monitoring disease progression, ensure each date of service is billed separately with documentation supporting the clinical need for repeat imaging
Proper interval documentation supports payment for follow-up studies; frequency limitations vary by payer
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