CPT® Code 73552

A radiologic examination of the femur, identified by CPT® Code 73552, involves the use of X-ray imaging to capture detailed images of the femur, which is the long bone located between the hip and the knee. This procedure utilizes indirect ionizing radiation to produce images that reveal the internal structures of the body. The principle behind X-ray imaging is based on the varying densities and compositions of human tissues; as X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed by denser materials, while others pass through, allowing for the creation of a two-dimensional image on a detector. This imaging technique is particularly useful for diagnosing a range of conditions that may affect the femur, including pain, limping, or swelling, as well as specific medical issues such as fractures, dislocations, deformities, degenerative bone diseases, osteomyelitis, arthritis, foreign bodies, and the presence of cysts or tumors. Additionally, X-rays are employed to assess the alignment of the femur after treatment for fractures. The standard views taken during this examination typically include the anteroposterior view, which captures the femur from front to back, and the lateral view, which provides a side perspective. For a single view of the femur, the appropriate code is 73551, while CPT® Code 73552 is designated for examinations that include a minimum of two views.