You Be the Coder:
Question: Echocardiographic Imaging
Published on Mon Apr 01, 2002
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: How should we code contrast echos using Optison and contrast saline injections?
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: From a coding perspective, both services are similar in that both are included in the echocardiography and are not separately payable. The interpretation of the contrast saline injection is also included in the echocardiography.
The supplies used to perform the service are payable separately, each using HCPCS codes.
Medicare carriers should be billed A9700 (Supply of injectable contrast material for use in echocardiography, per study) for Optison. The small price of saline may also be recovered by reporting J7050 (Infusion, normal saline solution, 250 cc).
To obtain the maximum allowable fee for the Optison, you may have to submit the claim on paper with an invoice. It may also be useful to contact your carriers ahead of time and explain why Optison is used and the costs associated with it. The name of the drug and the dosage provided should be listed in box 19 of the claim form.
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