Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

AMA Says 77417 x 1 for Multiple Ports

Published on Sun Sep 07, 2008

Question: The AMA and my local carrier give conflicting information regarding port films. Should I report one port film per five fractions, or one port film per port per five fractions? Washington Subscriber Answer: The short answer is, get your local carrier's preference in writing and follow it closely. For payers without a stated preference, you should follow the AMA. The AMA's position, as stated in the February 2006 CPT Assistant, is that -port films are reported by the facility, once per five fractions or once per week of treatment management per patient, regardless of the number of films required or portals evaluated.- Therefore, report 77417 (Therapeutic radiology port film[s]) once regardless of the number of ports.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All