An additional allowance is not paid for stress films or weight bearing x-ray studies when performed in conjunction with conventional x-ray studies of the same body area (e.g., spine, hip, knee, ankle). When both conventional x-ray studies of an extremity or joint and stress films or weight bearing x-ray studies are reported and billed separately, the charges are combined under the appropriate procedure code for the conventional x-ray study reported. When only stress films or weight bearing x-rays are performed, use the appropriate code for a limited x-ray of the anatomic area.

Procedure code 76006 represents manual application of stress performed by a physician for joint radiography, including the contralateral joint if indicated. Code 76006 must be reported with the appropriate procedure code for the conventional x-ray study performed. If code 76006 is reported without the appropriate conventional x-ray code, it will be denied. A participating, preferred, or network provider cannot bill the member for the denied service in this situation.