Multiple region items require that the regions of the spine to be studied must be specified on any account issued or patient assignment form completed.
Subgroup 4: Radiographic examination of the spine If items 57506 (NR) or 57509 (R) are claimed for multiple non-adjacent areas on the same side, or areas on different sides, the account should include annotation on this e.g. Subgroup 1 – Radiographic examination of the extremitiesĪn examination of the hand and the wrist on the same side should be claimed as item 57512 (NR) or 57515 (R). DEXA should be claimed under General Medical Services Table items 12306 to 12322. X-ray items of the spine 58100 to 58121 and hip 57712 cannot be claimed when images are produced using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) equipment. Images produced using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) equipment Comparison views are considered to be part of the examination requested. Where it is necessary for one or more films of the opposite limb to be taken for comparison purposes, benefits are payable for radiographic examination and reporting of one limb only. 58112 applies where two regions are examined. The exception to this would be the plain x-ray of the spine items (58100 to 58121) where the item number differs dependent upon the regions of the spine that are examined at the same occasion, ie. This means that if an x-ray of the foot is requested, regardless of the number of exposures from different angles, the completed service comprises x-ray of the foot by one or more exposures and the report. Where the radiographic examination of a specific area involves the exposure of more than one film, benefits are payable once only, except where special provision is made in the description of the item for the inclusion of all films taken for the purpose of the examination. Benefits are not separately payable for associated plain films involved with these items. Separate benefits are not payable for individual components of the service, e.g. As for all diagnostic imaging services, the benefits allocated to each item from 57506 to 60509 inclusive cover the total service, i.e.