Radiology Coding Alert
CPT® 2025:
Report MR Exam Implant Prep With 2025 CPT® Codes
Pay careful attention to the new guidelines. On Sept. 10, 2024, the AMA released the 2025... Read more
Report MR Exam Implant Prep With 2025 CPT® Codes
Pay careful attention to the new guidelines. On Sept. 10, 2024, the AMA released the 2025... Read more
Practice Management:
Use This Guidance to Improve Your Coding Education Process
Check out these tips for more effective clinician communication. Coding education is an o... Read more
Use This Guidance to Improve Your Coding Education Process
Check out these tips for more effective clinician communication. Coding education is an o... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Radiology Coding Alert examined s... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Radiology Coding Alert examined s... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Remember 7th Character Rules for Ribcage Fractures
Question: I have a radiology report that states the radiologist captured “PA chest,... Read more
Remember 7th Character Rules for Ribcage Fractures
Question: I have a radiology report that states the radiologist captured “PA chest,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Diagnostic Mammography Codes for Patients With Breast Cancer History
Question: A 65-year-old female Medicare patient who previously underwent a unilateral... Read more
Use Diagnostic Mammography Codes for Patients With Breast Cancer History
Question: A 65-year-old female Medicare patient who previously underwent a unilateral... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Code a CT Cystography Procedure
Question: I have an op note that lists the procedure as a computed tomography (CT) c... Read more
Correctly Code a CT Cystography Procedure
Question: I have an op note that lists the procedure as a computed tomography (CT) c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Tree for Correct Screening Mammography Coding
Question: If a patient is having a mammogram for a screening, you use the Z12.31. If ... Read more
Use This Tree for Correct Screening Mammography Coding
Question: If a patient is having a mammogram for a screening, you use the Z12.31. If ... Read more
Mythbusters:
Uncover the Truth Behind 3 Foreign Body Myths
Find out if implants can become foreign bodies. Radiologists may find items when reviewi... Read more
Uncover the Truth Behind 3 Foreign Body Myths
Find out if implants can become foreign bodies. Radiologists may find items when reviewi... Read more
MPFS:
Here’s the Big News in the 2025 Proposed Rule
Big surprise: Another rate cut is coming. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service... Read more
Here’s the Big News in the 2025 Proposed Rule
Big surprise: Another rate cut is coming. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial in... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Forget a 2nd Code for SIS Procedures
Question: What is a “SIS” procedure and how do I report the service? Louisiana S... Read more
Don’t Forget a 2nd Code for SIS Procedures
Question: What is a “SIS” procedure and how do I report the service? Louisiana S... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn How to Report a Pediatric Elbow MRI Exam
Question: An 8-year-old pediatric patient was brought to a radiology practice by thei... Read more
Learn How to Report a Pediatric Elbow MRI Exam
Question: An 8-year-old pediatric patient was brought to a radiology practice by thei... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware AI-Crafted Phishing Emails
Question: I've received several phishing emails over the past few months that are ver... Read more
Beware AI-Crafted Phishing Emails
Question: I've received several phishing emails over the past few months that are ver... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pay Attention to Guidelines for Osteoporosis-Related Dx
Question: A 75-year-old patient with a history of osteoporosis presented to a radiolo... Read more
Pay Attention to Guidelines for Osteoporosis-Related Dx
Question: A 75-year-old patient with a history of osteoporosis presented to a radiolo... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Prepare for Radiology Coding Changes With the 2025 ICD-10-CM Release
Specify unspecified tenosynovitis diagnoses. On Oct. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &a... Read more
Prepare for Radiology Coding Changes With the 2025 ICD-10-CM Release
Specify unspecified tenosynovitis diagnoses. On Oct. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &a... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Examine 3 X-ray Scenarios to Test Your Coding Knowledge
Do you know which CPT® codes to report? X-rays are one of the most common imaging exams ... Read more
Examine 3 X-ray Scenarios to Test Your Coding Knowledge
Do you know which CPT® codes to report? X-rays are one of the most common imaging exams ... Read more
Audits:
Establish Practice Protocols for Addressing a TPE Audit
Hint: Look at your MAC's focus to troubleshoot internal issues. Whether you've already ... Read more
Establish Practice Protocols for Addressing a TPE Audit
Hint: Look at your MAC's focus to troubleshoot internal issues. Whether you've already ... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Get the Answers to Our X-ray Coding Quiz
Find out what a complete clavicle X-ray includes. Did you thoroughly examine the X-ray c... Read more
Get the Answers to Our X-ray Coding Quiz
Find out what a complete clavicle X-ray includes. Did you thoroughly examine the X-ray c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Guidance Only Once Per Session
Question: If a patient presents for multiple trigger-point injections with image guid... Read more
Report Guidance Only Once Per Session
Question: If a patient presents for multiple trigger-point injections with image guid... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Out How To Handle Family History Facts
Question: When our radiologists get referrals for procedures, the referring physicia... Read more
Find Out How To Handle Family History Facts
Question: When our radiologists get referrals for procedures, the referring physicia... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn How to Handle a Paracentesis Case Without Accepted Modifiers
Question: I code for a hospital outpatient facility. A pulmonologist brought a patie... Read more
Learn How to Handle a Paracentesis Case Without Accepted Modifiers
Question: I code for a hospital outpatient facility. A pulmonologist brought a patie... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Learn How to List Multiple Diagnosis Codes Correctly
Question: I have a diagnostic radiology report for an encounter where the patient pre... Read more
Learn How to List Multiple Diagnosis Codes Correctly
Question: I have a diagnostic radiology report for an encounter where the patient pre... Read more
CPT® 101:
Examine These DXA Scan Scenarios
Do you need multiple codes for DXA and VFA scans? Radiologists use dual-energy X-ray abs... Read more
Examine These DXA Scan Scenarios
Do you need multiple codes for DXA and VFA scans? Radiologists use dual-energy X-ray abs... Read more
Modifier Mania:
4 Tips to Help You Differentiate Modifiers 76 and 77
Pay attention to which provider repeats the service. It's a common occurrence: Your radi... Read more
4 Tips to Help You Differentiate Modifiers 76 and 77
Pay attention to which provider repeats the service. It's a common occurrence: Your radi... Read more
Reimbursement:
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALT... Read more
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALT... Read more
Reader Questions:
Measure Minor, Moderate, and Major Splenic Lacerations
Question: A patient presented to an emergency department (ED) with complaints of abdo... Read more
Measure Minor, Moderate, and Major Splenic Lacerations
Question: A patient presented to an emergency department (ED) with complaints of abdo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Is Low Back Pain a Symptom of Spondylolisthesis?
Question: A senior patient presented to a radiology practice with chronic low back pa... Read more
Is Low Back Pain a Symptom of Spondylolisthesis?
Question: A senior patient presented to a radiology practice with chronic low back pa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Feel Anxious About Coding Stress Views
Question: I have a report that states the radiologist performed a four-view unilatera... Read more
Don’t Feel Anxious About Coding Stress Views
Question: I have a report that states the radiologist performed a four-view unilatera... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — the... Read more
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report Repeated Fetal Biophysical Profiles for a Twin Pregnancy
Question: I have a report for a patient who is pregnant with twins. The radiologist p... Read more
Report Repeated Fetal Biophysical Profiles for a Twin Pregnancy
Question: I have a report for a patient who is pregnant with twins. The radiologist p... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Identify Key Knee Injury Diagnosis Codes
How do primary and secondary OA differ? The knee bears the weight of the human body and ... Read more
Identify Key Knee Injury Diagnosis Codes
How do primary and secondary OA differ? The knee bears the weight of the human body and ... Read more
Compliance:
Don’t Skimp on HIPAA Sanction Policymaking, Feds Warn
Tip: Ensure employees receive training equivalent to their duties. Stopping a data breac... Read more
Don’t Skimp on HIPAA Sanction Policymaking, Feds Warn
Tip: Ensure employees receive training equivalent to their duties. Stopping a data breac... Read more
Reimbursement:
Avoid These 8 Common Medicare Billing Errors to Keep Pay Flowing
Watch those dates of service, MAC addresses, and more. Your provider documented a claim... Read more
Avoid These 8 Common Medicare Billing Errors to Keep Pay Flowing
Watch those dates of service, MAC addresses, and more. Your provider documented a claim... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask for More Information for Pelvic US Code Selection
Question: I have a radiology report for a female patient that lists the procedure as ... Read more
Ask for More Information for Pelvic US Code Selection
Question: I have a radiology report for a female patient that lists the procedure as ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) co... Read more
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Deduce the Correct 7th Character for an Elbow Fracture
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice for a follow-up appointment o... Read more
Deduce the Correct 7th Character for an Elbow Fracture
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice for a follow-up appointment o... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Swollen Leg Coding Case
Question: A patient presented with swelling from their left knee down to their foot a... Read more
Solve This Swollen Leg Coding Case
Question: A patient presented with swelling from their left knee down to their foot a... Read more
CPT® 101:
Don’t Go to Extremes Coding Upper Extremity MRIs
Review the guidelines to know which contrast administration counts. Radiologists use mag... Read more
Don’t Go to Extremes Coding Upper Extremity MRIs
Review the guidelines to know which contrast administration counts. Radiologists use mag... Read more
Payers:
Acknowledge the Need for Strong Relationships with Payers
Getting glimpses of the payer experience is a good first step. While providers may not b... Read more
Acknowledge the Need for Strong Relationships with Payers
Getting glimpses of the payer experience is a good first step. While providers may not b... Read more
Modifier Mania:
Recognize When to Modify Radiology Codes With 26 and TC
Do you need 26/TC for professional- or technical-only codes? Radiologists often perform... Read more
Recognize When to Modify Radiology Codes With 26 and TC
Do you need 26/TC for professional- or technical-only codes? Radiologists often perform... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Complete and Limited Abdominal Ultrasounds on the Same DOS
Question: I have two separate imaging reports for procedures performed on the same da... Read more
Report Complete and Limited Abdominal Ultrasounds on the Same DOS
Question: I have two separate imaging reports for procedures performed on the same da... Read more
Reader Questions:
Evaluate This Bilateral Rib X-ray Fracture Encounter
Question: After a level-four office evaluation and management (E/M) service for an es... Read more
Evaluate This Bilateral Rib X-ray Fracture Encounter
Question: After a level-four office evaluation and management (E/M) service for an es... Read more
Reader Questions:
Is Disc Degeneration the Same as a Disc Bulge? Find out.
Question: A 55-year-old patient presented to an outpatient radiology practice for X-... Read more
Is Disc Degeneration the Same as a Disc Bulge? Find out.
Question: A 55-year-old patient presented to an outpatient radiology practice for X-... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Count the Number of These X-Ray Views Correctly
Question: We received a radiology report where the provider captured bilateral hip X-... Read more
Count the Number of These X-Ray Views Correctly
Question: We received a radiology report where the provider captured bilateral hip X-... Read more
CPT® 101:
Stretch Your Spinal X-ray Coding Knowledge
Plus, improve your view type understanding. As a radiology coder, you're sure to see a fa... Read more
Stretch Your Spinal X-ray Coding Knowledge
Plus, improve your view type understanding. As a radiology coder, you're sure to see a fa... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Identify Which Image Tests are Needed for Urinary Stone Dx
Remember to use one code for abdominal and pelvic CT scans. Regardless of whether your ra... Read more
Identify Which Image Tests are Needed for Urinary Stone Dx
Remember to use one code for abdominal and pelvic CT scans. Regardless of whether your ra... Read more
Cybersecurity:
Protect Patient Privacy While Deploying New Tech
Add HC3 to your list of helpful healthcare acronyms. As new technologies are deployed to... Read more
Protect Patient Privacy While Deploying New Tech
Add HC3 to your list of helpful healthcare acronyms. As new technologies are deployed to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Fluoroscopy Procedures Longer Than 60 Minutes Correctly
Question: I have a radiology report in my workflow that states the provider performe... Read more
Code Fluoroscopy Procedures Longer Than 60 Minutes Correctly
Question: I have a radiology report in my workflow that states the provider performe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Between Screening and Dense Breast Codes for AB-MRI Exams
Question: A patient presented for a screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)... Read more
Choose Between Screening and Dense Breast Codes for AB-MRI Exams
Question: A patient presented for a screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)... Read more
Reader Questions:
Familiarize Yourself With Breast Ultrasound Documentation Guidelines
Question: I have a radiology report stating the provider captured “ultrasound imag... Read more
Familiarize Yourself With Breast Ultrasound Documentation Guidelines
Question: I have a radiology report stating the provider captured “ultrasound imag... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nail Down the Correct Nephrostogram Code
Question: We received a claim denial for a nephrostogram procedure. We billed for the... Read more
Nail Down the Correct Nephrostogram Code
Question: We received a claim denial for a nephrostogram procedure. We billed for the... Read more
CPT® 101:
Refresh Your Arthrography Coding Knowledge
Find out which hip code to report with anesthesia. When traditional joint X-rays don't s... Read more
Refresh Your Arthrography Coding Knowledge
Find out which hip code to report with anesthesia. When traditional joint X-rays don't s... Read more
Industry News:
Learn How Prior Authorizations Will Change Over the Next 3 Years
Receive urgent decisions within 72 hours. On Feb. 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Learn How Prior Authorizations Will Change Over the Next 3 Years
Receive urgent decisions within 72 hours. On Feb. 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Practice Management:
Use These Medicare Signature Tips to Stay Compliant
Make sure to resolve questionable signatures before submitting your claim. If your radio... Read more
Use These Medicare Signature Tips to Stay Compliant
Make sure to resolve questionable signatures before submitting your claim. If your radio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid These Alternative Modifiers for Repeat Facial Bone X-ray
Question: Following a fall, a patient presented to a radiology office for X-rays of t... Read more
Avoid These Alternative Modifiers for Repeat Facial Bone X-ray
Question: Following a fall, a patient presented to a radiology office for X-rays of t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn the Magic Quadrant Number for a Complete Abdominal US
Question: I have a report for an abdominal ultrasound where the provider imaged and d... Read more
Learn the Magic Quadrant Number for a Complete Abdominal US
Question: I have a report for an abdominal ultrasound where the provider imaged and d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose This Dx Code for Unremarkable Findings
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice with complaints of sharp rig... Read more
Choose This Dx Code for Unremarkable Findings
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice with complaints of sharp rig... Read more
You Be the Coder:
March Toward This Correct Fracture Code
Question: A patient presented to an outpatient radiology practice with sharp pain in ... Read more
March Toward This Correct Fracture Code
Question: A patient presented to an outpatient radiology practice with sharp pain in ... Read more
CPT® 101:
Get to Know the Cardiac Intraoperative Ultrasound Codes
Learn which codes are specific to CHD conditions. Providers use cardiac intraoperative ul... Read more
Get to Know the Cardiac Intraoperative Ultrasound Codes
Learn which codes are specific to CHD conditions. Providers use cardiac intraoperative ul... Read more
Case Study:
Get to Know Osseous Survey Codes With This Radiology Report
Learn the correct sequence for multiple cancer diagnosis codes. As a radiology coder, y... Read more
Get to Know Osseous Survey Codes With This Radiology Report
Learn the correct sequence for multiple cancer diagnosis codes. As a radiology coder, y... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Receive an Assist from AI When Reviewing Imaging Scans
Find out how AI can identify brain injuries from MRI exams. Providers order and use ima... Read more
Receive an Assist from AI When Reviewing Imaging Scans
Find out how AI can identify brain injuries from MRI exams. Providers order and use ima... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand How to Report X-rays Performed by 2 Different Providers
Question: I work in an urgent care facility, and my revenue cycle team is trying to ... Read more
Understand How to Report X-rays Performed by 2 Different Providers
Question: I work in an urgent care facility, and my revenue cycle team is trying to ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Report Imaging Guidance With 64640
Question: I have a report showing the physician performed neurolysis of the tibial ne... Read more
Remember to Report Imaging Guidance With 64640
Question: I have a report showing the physician performed neurolysis of the tibial ne... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recognize When to Report Multiple Contrast Units
Question: I'm new to radiology coding and I have a HCPCS Level II coding question. A ... Read more
Recognize When to Report Multiple Contrast Units
Question: I'm new to radiology coding and I have a HCPCS Level II coding question. A ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Refer to the Medical Record When No Findings Are Present
Question: I am coding for a radiology encounter from an independent diagnostic testin... Read more
Refer to the Medical Record When No Findings Are Present
Question: I am coding for a radiology encounter from an independent diagnostic testin... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know When 7th Character ‘A’ Still Counts
Question: A patient had surgery on their left foot. During a post-operative visit, th... Read more
Know When 7th Character ‘A’ Still Counts
Question: A patient had surgery on their left foot. During a post-operative visit, th... Read more
CPT® 101:
Identify What Sets Radiology Thyroid Study Codes Apart
Know when you should report 78014. Radiology coders will confirm that seldom-used codes c... Read more
Identify What Sets Radiology Thyroid Study Codes Apart
Know when you should report 78014. Radiology coders will confirm that seldom-used codes c... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Nail Down Knee Osteoarthritis Codes
Learn the difference between primary and secondary OA. As a radiology coder, you may rece... Read more
Nail Down Knee Osteoarthritis Codes
Learn the difference between primary and secondary OA. As a radiology coder, you may rece... Read more
Practice Management:
Overcome Query Dread With These Wise Words
Learn how to effectively query a provider for information. Not every patient record or ra... Read more
Overcome Query Dread With These Wise Words
Learn how to effectively query a provider for information. Not every patient record or ra... Read more
Reader Question:
Know How A- and B-Scan Ultrasounds Differ
Question: I'm new to radiology coding. Could you please explain the difference betwe... Read more
Know How A- and B-Scan Ultrasounds Differ
Question: I'm new to radiology coding. Could you please explain the difference betwe... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn Which Code Applies to 2-View Bilateral Knee X-rays
Question: A patient presented with bilateral knee pain, and the radiologist captured ... Read more
Learn Which Code Applies to 2-View Bilateral Knee X-rays
Question: A patient presented with bilateral knee pain, and the radiologist captured ... Read more
Reader Question:
Does 96372 Count for Epidural Injections?
Question: A coworker wants me to bill 96372 with transforaminal epidural injections t... Read more
Does 96372 Count for Epidural Injections?
Question: A coworker wants me to bill 96372 with transforaminal epidural injections t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pinpoint the Best Codes for This Breast Exam
Question: A 63-year-old patient presented to a radiology practice for a diagnostic ma... Read more
Pinpoint the Best Codes for This Breast Exam
Question: A 63-year-old patient presented to a radiology practice for a diagnostic ma... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Get Answers to Your CT Scan Coding FAQs
Find out which CT scans require 3D rendering. Whether you're newly credentialed or have b... Read more
Get Answers to Your CT Scan Coding FAQs
Find out which CT scans require 3D rendering. Whether you're newly credentialed or have b... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Determine the Correct Dx Codes for AV Hemodialysis Access
Question: I have a coding question on bilateral upper extremity vein mapping. My faci... Read more
Determine the Correct Dx Codes for AV Hemodialysis Access
Question: I have a coding question on bilateral upper extremity vein mapping. My faci... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Avoid Coding Unnecessary Spine Regions
Question: I have a radiology report following a computed tomography (CT) scan with co... Read more
Avoid Coding Unnecessary Spine Regions
Question: I have a radiology report following a computed tomography (CT) scan with co... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Get Ready for CPT® 2025 With Radiology Guideline Changes
Find out who can administer and bill for fMRI tests. While the 2025 CPT® code set won't ... Read more
Get Ready for CPT® 2025 With Radiology Guideline Changes
Find out who can administer and bill for fMRI tests. While the 2025 CPT® code set won't ... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Do You Report Sternum X-rays With 71046? Find out
Question: A patient presented to our radiology clinic with complaints of shortness of brea... Read more
Do You Report Sternum X-rays With 71046? Find out
Question: A patient presented to our radiology clinic with complaints of shortness of brea... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Receive a Breakdown of the Technical Component
Question: Could you explain what the technical component is in relation to radiology servi... Read more
Receive a Breakdown of the Technical Component
Question: Could you explain what the technical component is in relation to radiology servi... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Separate Cirrhosis From an Abnormal Mass With Liver Scans
Find out if you know what ‘static only' means. Patients who present with upper-right ab... Read more
Separate Cirrhosis From an Abnormal Mass With Liver Scans
Find out if you know what ‘static only' means. Patients who present with upper-right ab... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Build Your Bimalleolar Fracture Coding Knowledge
Question: I have a radiology report where the radiologist's findings are listed as a displ... Read more
Build Your Bimalleolar Fracture Coding Knowledge
Question: I have a radiology report where the radiologist's findings are listed as a displ... Read more
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Know What Makes up a 3-Phase Study
Question: We had a patient visit our radiology clinic for bone and joint imaging of both w... Read more
Know What Makes up a 3-Phase Study
Question: We had a patient visit our radiology clinic for bone and joint imaging of both w... Read more