Radiology Coding Alert
Level II Coding and Physician Payment Schedule Changes Enhance Reimbursement Possibilities
The fourth quarter of any given year is full of policy changes affecting radiology coder... Read more
The fourth quarter of any given year is full of policy changes affecting radiology coder... Read more
Enhance Your Bottom Line When Reporting Imaging Studies
Radiology coders often find themselves debating whether a particular imaging study is best... Read more
Radiology coders often find themselves debating whether a particular imaging study is best... Read more
CCI 6.3 Bundles Same-time E/M Services to Procedure Codes
At first glance, radiology coders may feel over-whelmed by the sheer volume of edits imp... Read more
At first glance, radiology coders may feel over-whelmed by the sheer volume of edits imp... Read more
Reader Question:
Screening Mammogram to Diagnostic Study
Question: A patient presents for a screening mammogram and interpretation is done while th... Read more
Screening Mammogram to Diagnostic Study
Question: A patient presents for a screening mammogram and interpretation is done while th... Read more
Reader Question:
Incidental Findings
Question: When documenting impressions in their reports, our radiologists will sometimes c... Read more
Incidental Findings
Question: When documenting impressions in their reports, our radiologists will sometimes c... Read more
Reader Question:
Same-day Pelvic and Transvaginal Ultrasounds
Question: On occasion, our radiologists perform both a pelvic and a transvaginal ultrasoun... Read more
Same-day Pelvic and Transvaginal Ultrasounds
Question: On occasion, our radiologists perform both a pelvic and a transvaginal ultrasoun... Read more
You Be the Coder:
MRA of the Cranium
Question: How is magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the cranium coded? Pamela J... Read more
MRA of the Cranium
Question: How is magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the cranium coded? Pamela J... Read more
CPT 2001 Contains Significant Radiology Coding Changes That Will Affect Your Billing
As the American Medical Association (AMA) announces CPT Changes for 2001 this month in C... Read more
As the American Medical Association (AMA) announces CPT Changes for 2001 this month in C... Read more
CT Guidance Payment Depends On Payer Preference
"Computerized tomography (CT) guidance for abdominal paracentesis and thoracentesis is a t... Read more
"Computerized tomography (CT) guidance for abdominal paracentesis and thoracentesis is a t... Read more
Reader Question:
Thrombosis
Question: A patient has thrombosis of the Perma-cath for dialysis. Contrast was injected i... Read more
Thrombosis
Question: A patient has thrombosis of the Perma-cath for dialysis. Contrast was injected i... Read more
Reader Question:
Diagnostic Mammograms
Question: Insurance companies are not paying for extra views (Ellund technique) we take du... Read more
Diagnostic Mammograms
Question: Insurance companies are not paying for extra views (Ellund technique) we take du... Read more
Reader Question:
CT by Anatomical Site
Question: There does not appear to be a specific code that describes a CTA, which is merel... Read more
CT by Anatomical Site
Question: There does not appear to be a specific code that describes a CTA, which is merel... Read more
Reader Question:
Injections During Diskography
Question: Our radiologist performed diskography on three levels of the lumbar spine. Depo ... Read more
Injections During Diskography
Question: Our radiologist performed diskography on three levels of the lumbar spine. Depo ... Read more
Reader Question:
Defining Infant
Question: How do most payers define an infant, in regards to CPT Codes 73092 (radiologi... Read more
Defining Infant
Question: How do most payers define an infant, in regards to CPT Codes 73092 (radiologi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Needle Biopsy
Question: When performing a needle biopsy on one of the internal organs (i.e., liver, stom... Read more
Needle Biopsy
Question: When performing a needle biopsy on one of the internal organs (i.e., liver, stom... Read more
Know Carrier Restrictions to Effectively Bill for Duplex Scans of Penile Blood Flow
The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasing in the United States. This has re... Read more
The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasing in the United States. This has re... Read more
Code the Technique to Get Paid For Venous Procedures
Many professional coders report confusion about how to code implantation of venous acces... Read more
Many professional coders report confusion about how to code implantation of venous acces... Read more
Bill E/M When a Consult for Treatment is Requested
Traditionally, Radiology Coders have had fewer opportunities to assign evaluation and ma... Read more
Traditionally, Radiology Coders have had fewer opportunities to assign evaluation and ma... Read more
Reader Question:
Breast Lesions
Question: When our radiologist performs stereotactic localization and biopsy of more than ... Read more
Breast Lesions
Question: When our radiologist performs stereotactic localization and biopsy of more than ... Read more
Reader Question:
Injection Procedure
Question: A CT scan is done after implantation of radioactive seeds to the prostate. A Fol... Read more
Injection Procedure
Question: A CT scan is done after implantation of radioactive seeds to the prostate. A Fol... Read more
Reader Question:
Fine Needle Biopsies
Question: We will be doing fine needle biopsies in our office, which is an independent fac... Read more
Fine Needle Biopsies
Question: We will be doing fine needle biopsies in our office, which is an independent fac... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nuclear Medicine
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Nuclear Medicine
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
October Rise in Breast Health Services Will Challenge Coders and Increase Payment
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and women who have postponed routine screenings ... Read more
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and women who have postponed routine screenings ... Read more
Unravel Complex G-tube Coding To Ensure Timely Payment
Even the most experienced radiology coders find reporting gastrostomy tube placement confu... Read more
Even the most experienced radiology coders find reporting gastrostomy tube placement confu... Read more
Clarification:
MRI and MR Arthrography of the Shoulder
Last months article, How to Code Arthrographies for Increased Pay Up, on page 62 was missi... Read more
MRI and MR Arthrography of the Shoulder
Last months article, How to Code Arthrographies for Increased Pay Up, on page 62 was missi... Read more
Reader Question:
Acoustic Neuroma
Question: Our radiologist performed a CT of the head without contrast. The diagnosis is su... Read more
Acoustic Neuroma
Question: Our radiologist performed a CT of the head without contrast. The diagnosis is su... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Code Rule-out
Question: A Medicare patient had a shoulder MRI, and the diagnosis, per the report, states... Read more
Dont Code Rule-out
Question: A Medicare patient had a shoulder MRI, and the diagnosis, per the report, states... Read more
Reader Question:
Temporary HCPCS Code
Question: I would like information about the new Hcpcs Codes Level II G0159. Can you t... Read more
Temporary HCPCS Code
Question: I would like information about the new Hcpcs Codes Level II G0159. Can you t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Three-view X-ray
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at ... Read more
Three-view X-ray
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at ... Read more
Proper Coding Ensures Optimal Reimbursement For Lymphoscintigraphy
Sentinel node biopsies are becoming an increasingly common tool to determine the staging a... Read more
Sentinel node biopsies are becoming an increasingly common tool to determine the staging a... Read more
Use Modifiers for Payment of Services During Global Periods
Coders supporting interventional radiologists may help their physicians avoid forfeiting... Read more
Coders supporting interventional radiologists may help their physicians avoid forfeiting... Read more
How to Code Arthrographies For Increased Pay Up
Many radiology coders may wonder how to report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sho... Read more
Many radiology coders may wonder how to report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sho... Read more
Reader Question:
Ultrasound Guidance
Question: When performing an invasive procedure (e.g., CPT 75605 , aortography, thoracic, ... Read more
Ultrasound Guidance
Question: When performing an invasive procedure (e.g., CPT 75605 , aortography, thoracic, ... Read more
Reader Question:
Myelograms, Epidurograms and Nerve Blocks
Question: What are the specific codes for myelograms, epidurograms and nerve blocks that a... Read more
Myelograms, Epidurograms and Nerve Blocks
Question: What are the specific codes for myelograms, epidurograms and nerve blocks that a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Converting a Screening
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Converting a Screening
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Code for Each Step to Optimize Reimbursement For Pulmonary Angiography
"Radiology coders must have a clear understanding of the various steps involved with angio... Read more
"Radiology coders must have a clear understanding of the various steps involved with angio... Read more
The Art of Diagnosis Coding:
Avoid Errors and Reduce Rejection of Claims
Correct use of diagnosis codes is crucial to any radiology practices reimbursement. Acco... Read more
Avoid Errors and Reduce Rejection of Claims
Correct use of diagnosis codes is crucial to any radiology practices reimbursement. Acco... Read more
Ethically Optimize Payment For Upper GI Studies
Professional coders have expressed frustration over the codes that describe radiological e... Read more
Professional coders have expressed frustration over the codes that describe radiological e... Read more
Reader Question:
Chest X-rays
Question: If a patient has a pneumothorax from the CT-guided (computer tomography) biopsy,... Read more
Chest X-rays
Question: If a patient has a pneumothorax from the CT-guided (computer tomography) biopsy,... Read more
Optimize Reimbursement for Complex Brachytherapy Treatments
Clinical brachytherapy the transperineal implantation of permanent radioisotope seeds ha... Read more
Clinical brachytherapy the transperineal implantation of permanent radioisotope seeds ha... Read more
Additional Diagnosis Codes Get Optimum DEXA Scan Pay Up
Over the past few years, Radiology Practice have reported a significant increase in the n... Read more
Over the past few years, Radiology Practice have reported a significant increase in the n... Read more
Deadline Postponed to Aug. 1, 2000:
New APC System Should Lead To More Consistent Payment
Although the new Medicare ambulatory patient classification (APC) regulations dont directl... Read more
New APC System Should Lead To More Consistent Payment
Although the new Medicare ambulatory patient classification (APC) regulations dont directl... Read more
Reader Question:
Mechaical Thrombolysis
Question: What is the correct surgical code for mechanical thrombolysis of a vein in the... Read more
Mechaical Thrombolysis
Question: What is the correct surgical code for mechanical thrombolysis of a vein in the... Read more
Reader Question:
Catheter Removal
Question: We have encountered a situation in which our physician performed an injection of... Read more
Catheter Removal
Question: We have encountered a situation in which our physician performed an injection of... Read more
Reader Question:
MRI of the Brain
Question: Could you please help me with the following scenario: A Medi-cal (California Med... Read more
MRI of the Brain
Question: Could you please help me with the following scenario: A Medi-cal (California Med... Read more
Choosing the Correct Code From Urography Series Optimizes Reimbursement for IVPs
Pyelography is frequently used to localize and diagnose disorders of the urinary tract suc... Read more
Pyelography is frequently used to localize and diagnose disorders of the urinary tract suc... Read more
Get Paid for Mammography For Breast Cancer Patients
Even though it is a common imaging procedure, mammography offers no shortage of bewilderin... Read more
Even though it is a common imaging procedure, mammography offers no shortage of bewilderin... Read more
News Brief:
Errors in National Correct Coding Initiative Version 6.1
Due to a large number of errors, the implementation of the National Correct Coding Initi... Read more
Errors in National Correct Coding Initiative Version 6.1
Due to a large number of errors, the implementation of the National Correct Coding Initi... Read more
Reader Question:
SPECT Imaging
Question: We do SPECT imaging of a specific body area after completing another nuclear med... Read more
SPECT Imaging
Question: We do SPECT imaging of a specific body area after completing another nuclear med... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Fluoroscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Fluoroscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Correctly Coding Ultrasound Studies of Peripheral Veins and Arteries Improves Payment
"Increased reliance on diagnostic ultrasounds of the extremities has placed demands on cod... Read more
"Increased reliance on diagnostic ultrasounds of the extremities has placed demands on cod... Read more
Comprehensive Compliance Plan Will Ease Audit Process
A central focus of Medicares audit campaign in the upcoming year will be compliance within... Read more
A central focus of Medicares audit campaign in the upcoming year will be compliance within... Read more
Using Urea Breath Test Codes Improves Reimbursement
The addition of two CPT Codes provides a way to report the urea breath test, a new metho... Read more
The addition of two CPT Codes provides a way to report the urea breath test, a new metho... Read more
Reader Question:
Ultrasound Guidance With Pelvic Angiography
Question: When performing pelvic angiography, what CPT Code should be used to report th... Read more
Ultrasound Guidance With Pelvic Angiography
Question: When performing pelvic angiography, what CPT Code should be used to report th... Read more
Reader Question:
Bone Density Studies
Question: When a patient has had a previous bone mineral density study with an x-ray findi... Read more
Bone Density Studies
Question: When a patient has had a previous bone mineral density study with an x-ray findi... Read more
Reader Question:
Transcanial Doppler Procedures
Question: What are the correct CPT Codes the professional and facility components for b... Read more
Transcanial Doppler Procedures
Question: What are the correct CPT Codes the professional and facility components for b... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Correctly Assigning 99141 and 99142
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Correctly Assigning 99141 and 99142
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Analysis of CPT 2000 Changes:
New/Revised Spinal injection Codes Add Backbone to Radiology Reimbursement
Additions and revisions to CPT Codes 2000 codes will provide radiologists with appropri... Read more
New/Revised Spinal injection Codes Add Backbone to Radiology Reimbursement
Additions and revisions to CPT Codes 2000 codes will provide radiologists with appropri... Read more
Correct Coding of Swallowing Studies Optimizes Payup
"Confusion about what was studied and recorded when swallowing studies are done cau... Read more
"Confusion about what was studied and recorded when swallowing studies are done cau... Read more
Modifier 59, 76, 77:
Correctly Assigning Modifiers Gets Optimum Reimbursement
Modifiers -59 (distinct procedural service), -76 (repeat procedure by same physician) an... Read more
Correctly Assigning Modifiers Gets Optimum Reimbursement
Modifiers -59 (distinct procedural service), -76 (repeat procedure by same physician) an... Read more
Reader Question:
Clarification: MRI of Abdomen
Question: The October 1999 Radiology Coding Alert included an article about 76375 (cor... Read more
Clarification: MRI of Abdomen
Question: The October 1999 Radiology Coding Alert included an article about 76375 (cor... Read more
Reader Question:
Non-ionic Contrast Injection
Question: What is the proper HCPCS Code for non-ionic contrast injection for IV? Our pat... Read more
Non-ionic Contrast Injection
Question: What is the proper HCPCS Code for non-ionic contrast injection for IV? Our pat... Read more
Correct Coding of Each Thyroid Diagnostic Procedure Performed Leads to Reimbursement
"In making preliminary evaluations of a thyroid disorder, an ultrasound often will be cond... Read more
"In making preliminary evaluations of a thyroid disorder, an ultrasound often will be cond... Read more
Correctly Coding Lung Scans Avoids Denials/Abuse Charges
Coding professionals must stay up-to-date on changes in the coding of lung scans and recog... Read more
Coding professionals must stay up-to-date on changes in the coding of lung scans and recog... Read more
Changes in Medicare Policy Mean MRA Reimbursement
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure slowly gaining ... Read more
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure slowly gaining ... Read more
Clarification:
Coding Breast Biopsy Procedures
The December 1999 Radiology Coding Alert contained a case study on page 34 Case Study: E... Read more
Coding Breast Biopsy Procedures
The December 1999 Radiology Coding Alert contained a case study on page 34 Case Study: E... Read more
Reader Question:
Oncologist-requested CAT Scan
Question: If we have a confirmed primary site for cancer, and an oncologist requests a CAT... Read more
Oncologist-requested CAT Scan
Question: If we have a confirmed primary site for cancer, and an oncologist requests a CAT... Read more
Reader Question:
MRI of the Orbit
Question: A patient was referred to us for an MRI of the orbit (CPT 70540 , magnetic reson... Read more
MRI of the Orbit
Question: A patient was referred to us for an MRI of the orbit (CPT 70540 , magnetic reson... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for an Interpreter
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Coding for an Interpreter
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Knowledge of Brain Anatomy Aids in Coding of Complex Cerebral Embolization Procedures
Coders who lack a thorough understanding of the heads vascular structures and the various ... Read more
Coders who lack a thorough understanding of the heads vascular structures and the various ... Read more
How to Correctly Code Transvaginal Ultrasounds and Fetal Biophysical Profiles
Understanding the American Medical Associations (AMA) position on certain ob-gyn ultraso... Read more
Understanding the American Medical Associations (AMA) position on certain ob-gyn ultraso... Read more
Reader Question:
Mammogram for Fibrocystic Syndrome Patient
Question: If a patient has fibrocystic syndrome, is a mammogram considered diagnostic or s... Read more
Mammogram for Fibrocystic Syndrome Patient
Question: If a patient has fibrocystic syndrome, is a mammogram considered diagnostic or s... Read more
Reader Question:
Consultation or Established Patient?
Question: A medical oncologist has a patient in his practice with small cell lung cancer. ... Read more
Consultation or Established Patient?
Question: A medical oncologist has a patient in his practice with small cell lung cancer. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Arteriogram Related to Short Stay Care
Question: What S & I (supervision & interpretation) code should I charge for a p... Read more
Arteriogram Related to Short Stay Care
Question: What S & I (supervision & interpretation) code should I charge for a p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Patient History
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before look... Read more
Coding Patient History
I>Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before look... Read more