Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 70190 refers to a radiologic examination specifically targeting the optic foramina. The optic foramina are the paired canals located in the sphenoid bone, which serve as passageways for the optic nerve and the ophthalmic artery. This examination utilizes X-ray imaging, a technique that employs indirect ionizing radiation to capture images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective for imaging non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions of these materials. As X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed while others penetrate and are captured on a detector, resulting in a two-dimensional representation of the anatomical structures. During the procedure, X-rays are taken of the orbits from multiple angles, including the parieto-orbital oblique view, lateral views, occipitomental projections, and an inclined PA or Caldwell view. These various positions are crucial as they allow for a clear visualization of the orbital structures without obstruction from the petrous ridges of the skull. The examination may also involve positioning the patient's eyes in different orientations, such as looking up and down, to enhance the clarity of the images obtained. It is important to note that if a complete radiologic examination of the orbits is performed, the appropriate code to report would be CPT® Code 70200. Following the imaging, the physician carefully reviews the captured images to identify any potential evidence of disease affecting the optic foramina or surrounding structures.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The radiologic examination of the optic foramina, coded as CPT® 70190, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the optic nerve and associated structures is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this examination:
The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination of the optic foramina involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a radiologic examination of the optic foramina typically involves minimal intervention, as the procedure is non-invasive. Patients may be advised to resume normal activities immediately following the examination. The physician will discuss the findings from the images with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where any necessary further evaluations or treatments will be determined based on the results. It is essential for the physician to document the findings accurately and communicate any significant results to the patient and relevant healthcare providers.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF EYE SOCKETS | Medium Descr | RADEX OPTIC FORAMINA | Long Descr | Radiologic examination; optic foramina | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 3 - The usual payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.