X-Ray Coding: Is it the Hip or the Pelvis?

Question:

Can someone please answer the question of if the AP pelvis view is counted as a few when coding hip codes? For example, AP pelvis then 2 individual pictures of each hip AP & Lat; would this be coded as a 73523 (1V pelvis + 2V LT + 2V RT) or would this be coded as 73521 (AP and Lateral Views)? How would you code AP pelvis and 1V of LT Hip? 73501 since it is 1V Hip including AP Pelvis or 73502? There is conflicting information about whether you count the Pelvis as a view and whether you count the individual views done for each side.

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out. If you are performing AP pelvis then 2 individual pictures of each hip AP & Lat; you would code 73523 Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed; minimum of 5 views.  This is consistent with the AMA's Clinical Examples in Radiology guidelines from fall of 2015.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/22/26.