Coding for two DEXA scans of different areas on the same day

Q.

Can we assign CPT^® codes 77080 and 77081 together on the same day?

A.

After years of stating that code 77080 included CPT code 77081 when performed together, the American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now allow both codes to be billed when considered medically necessary. Medicare requires Level II modifier XU on code 77080 when billed with 77081. The codes and full description are as follows:

77080  Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton (e.g., hips, pelvis, spine)

77081  Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (e.g., radius, wrist, heel)