Question

question 1 (2.5 points)
a patient with osteoporosis reports to her physicians office for a dxa bone density study of her spine to monitor the severity of her condition. what is the correct cpt code for the dxa scan?

77080
77081
77081-52
77086

Explanation:

Identify the procedure and anatomical site

Using the CPT Coding and DXA Scan Coding knowledge points

• The patient undergoes a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study.
• The anatomical site evaluated is the spine (axial skeleton).

Compare CPT codes for DXA scans

Using the Bone Density Coding knowledge point

• 77080: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton (e.g., hips, pelvis, spine).
• 77081: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (e.g., radius, wrist, heel).
• 77086: Vertebral fracture assessment with DXA.

Select the correct code

Using the CPT Coding knowledge point

• Since the spine is part of the axial skeleton, code 77080 is the correct code.

Answer:

• (A) 77080 (Correct answer)
• (B) 77081
• (C) 77081-52
• (D) 77086