Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes form a standardized language used across the medical industry for documenting and billing services and procedures. This system ensures uniformity when healthcare providers communicate with insurance companies and government payers. Every procedure is assigned a unique five-digit code. CPT code 71045 identifies a single-view radiologic examination of the chest, a foundational diagnostic imaging service used for conditions involving the thoracic cavity.
The Procedure Defined
CPT code 71045 officially describes a “Radiologic examination, chest; single view,” meaning the procedure captures a single image of the inside of the chest. This imaging uses ionizing radiation to create a two-dimensional image on a detector. Dense structures, like bone, appear white, while air-filled lungs appear black.
A single-view chest X-ray is typically performed as either a Posteroanterior (PA) or Anteroposterior (AP) projection. The PA view, where the beam enters the back and exits the front, offers a relatively accurate depiction of the heart size. The single image focuses on assessing the lungs, heart, airways, and the bones of the chest wall. While quick for initial screening, a single view is limited by the superimposition of internal structures, which can obscure small abnormalities.
Clinical Applications
The single-view chest X-ray is often the initial imaging test ordered for patients presenting with symptoms related to the heart or lungs. Physicians commonly use CPT 71045 for a rapid assessment of conditions such as persistent cough, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath. It is a frequent tool in emergency departments to quickly evaluate acute issues.
Applications include evaluating suspected infections like pneumonia, which may show consolidation or fluid buildup in the lungs. The procedure also assesses trauma, helping to quickly identify fractured ribs or the presence of a pneumothorax, which is air outside the lung. Furthermore, it is frequently requested as a pre-operative screening tool to gauge a patient’s baseline lung and heart status before surgery.
Understanding the Billing Context
When a patient receives a single-view chest X-ray, CPT code 71045 is used by the healthcare provider to request payment from an insurance payer. This code is distinct from related codes based on the number of images taken; CPT 71046 is used for a two-view exam, and 71047 applies to three or more views. Accurate coding is necessary to ensure proper reimbursement.
The total charge for the procedure is often broken down into two parts using special modifiers. The technical component (-TC) covers facility costs, including equipment, supplies, and the technician’s time. The professional component (-26) represents the radiologist’s fee for interpreting the images and generating a written report. Providers who own the equipment and employ the interpreting physician may bill for the global service without using these modifiers.