Coding for non-contrast CT scans of the knee and ankle

Q.

If we perform CT scans of both the knee without contrast and the ankle without contrast, can we assign CPT^® code 73700 twice?

A.

The CT extremity codes are not like the MRI extremity joint codes, as they are not reported per joint. For CT procedures, one extremity = one code, so if the knee and ankle were imaged on the same leg, you assign CPT code 73700 once.

The code and full description are:

73700  Computed tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material