Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

Cut 2D Postprocessing Out of Your 2006 Claims
CPT replaces troublesome 76375 with 2 new 3D-only codesUnless your radiologist uses a mach... Read more
Forget Unlisted-Procedure Hassle for Patency Check
Plus: Prepare to add peripheral vessel mechanical thrombectomy to your claimsIf you code f... Read more
Prevent Postprocessing Denials by Keeping These Codes Off Your Claim
This quick-reference chart reminds you which codes are off-limits with 76376-76377 CP... Read more
Capture Kyphoplasty Pay With 3 New Codes?
Payers will decide your reimbursement for 22523-22525 in 2006 The wait is over. Start... Read more
Split Electron and Neutron Treatment Coding in 2006
Costly neutron delivery will have its own codesPrepare to base your radiation reports on t... Read more
Set Your Sights on 77421 for Stereoscopic IGRT
ASTRO clarifies difference between port films and stereoscopic guidance Stereoscopic x-ray... Read more
2006 Resolution:
Identify a Separate E/M Before Appending 25
You know that you should append modifier 25 to a visit only when the radiologist’s... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 71035 for Expiration View
Question: Should I code for inspiration and expiration x-ray views with two units of CPT 7... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Scan 78300-78320 for Correct Code
Question: What is the difference between the imaging codes in the range CPT 78300 -CPT 783... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Count Oblique as 2 Views
Question: If my radiologist documents AP, lateral, and oblique views of the spine, does th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Assume Closed Fracture When Details Are Absent
Question: If our radiologist doesn't specify whether a fracture is open or closed, how sho... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Break Down Urea Breath Test
Question: May I report both CPT 78267 and CPT 78268 for a urea breath test?Delaware Subs... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look Up Locum Tenens Modifier
Question: My radiology group is using a locum tenens to fill in at the hospital while one ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Master Meningitis Coding
Question: What codes should I use for the radiological supervision and interpretation for ... Read more
Shore Up 3-D Reconstruction Coding With NCCI's Help
76375 rules limit your choices If your practice’s watercooler buzz has been abo... Read more
Bovine Arch? Don't Put 3rd-Order Code Out to Pasture
This aortic anomaly opens up your aortogram optionsNext time your report reveals an aortog... Read more
Glide Through Catheterization Coding with These Quick Tips
Separate selective and nonselective procedures with ease Coding interventional proced... Read more
Inject Common Sense Into G0351 Claims
Just say 'no' to injection code for nuclear medicine proceduresThe National Correct Coding... Read more
Clarifications:
Clarifications:
 • The teleconference transcript included in the October issue of Radiology Coding ... Read more
End Edit Confusion With This Straightforward NCCI 11.3 Chart
      Ease into the latest National Correct Coding Initiative... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
The DXA's in the Details
Question: We've recently acquired a Hologic Discovery SL Bone Denitometer. The DXA image a... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Include 77295 in IMRT Plan Code
Question: May I code CPT 77301 with CPT 77295 ?Washington Subscriber Answer: Generally, ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Count Sites, Not Passes, for FNA
Question: How should I code ultrasound guidance for aspiration of a solid lesion with a 22... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Follow Exception for V58.0 Diagnosis
Question: What is the proper diagnosis coding sequence for a patient who presents for radi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Navigate the Neoplasm Table
Question: What's the proper way to code for a patient referred for an MRI of the pelvis to... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tap Into Correct T-Tube Contrast Coding
Question: How should I code a report for injection of contrast material through a surgical... Read more
Case Study:
See If You're Tricked by the Same CT Pitfalls As Your Colleagues
Write up this ‘rule out appendicitis’ scenario to treat yourself to CEUs I... Read more
Zap Your Fears of Coding Radiation Twice a Day
Knowing the rules will boost your 77401-77416 coding confidence You could be forfeiting $... Read more
Track Your PET Scan Tracer Codes
Did you catch CMS' update on radiopharmaceutical coding? When you code a PET scan service... Read more
News You Can Use:
Adjust Selective Cath Coding Or Risk Paybacks
Medicare fee schedule meddles with bilateral compensation You may think there's not much ... Read more
CMS Says Goodbye to LOCM Restrictions
No need to look for history of adverse reaction in non-hospital patients Coding LOCM for M... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nix 77261 for Nuclear Medicine Treatment
Question: Can I code for treatment planning (CPT 77261 -CPT 77263 ) along with nuclear med... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Mammogram Code on Order
Question: If a mammography patient has a benign biopsy, how long before we code her routin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pace Yourself on 77470 Claims
Question: My radiation oncologist is treating a patient with a pacemaker. Is there a code ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Soothe Stress Test Coding Headaches
Question: How should we code for the professional component of a stress test?North Carolin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Out Separate Fluoro and Carpal Pay
Question: Our radiologists sometimes provide fluoroscopic guidance for wrist injections (s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Oh My! Myolysis May Go Uncovered
Question: Our radiologist sometimes performs myolysis with MR guidance. Is there a way to ... Read more
wYou Be the Coder:
Welcome to Extra Screening Payment
Question: We’ve been getting referrals from family doctors for screenings followin... Read more
Get Hip to These Lower-Extremity MRI Rules
Make the most of modifiers for leg-joint imaging reports You may be familiar with cod... Read more
Remedy Your TIPS Troubles With These ICD-9 Tips
Raise reimbursement by coding variceal embolization separately Coding for TIPS is abo... Read more
Use TIPS' 0-Day Global Period to Your Advantage
Get paid for angiography on separate date of service Good news: TIPS (transvenous int... Read more
News You Can Use:
Prepare Your Front Lines for Category lll CCTA Codes
Don't let these temmporary codes leave a hole in your pocketIf you've been struggling to r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
No Kidding-Report 2 Codes for Kiddiegram
Question: What's the proper way to report a babygram or kiddiegram? We can't dec... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Miss: Code Diskography per Disk
Question: When I get a report for a lumbar diskography, should I report the supervision an... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Face Up to Facial X-Ray Codes
Question: We performed a three-view x-ray of the facial bones for a patient who suffered f... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Proceed Slowly With Separate Procedures
Question: I noticed a number of codes in the radiology section that have the phrase "separ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Contrast Old and New HOCM Codes
Question: Someone in my office mentioned that there are new codes for high osmolar contras... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Count Each Vessel, not Each Stent
Question: I noticed that the descriptor for CPT 75960 says to code for each vessel. Would... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know Extra Rules for Incomplete GI
Questions:  Our radiologist performed a modified barium swallow study with videoradio... Read more
NCCI 11.2 Rundown:
Don't Get Stuck With Denials - Comply With 4,531 Injection Edits
Plus: You'll need to append modifier 59 for external iliac aneurysm repair The most recen... Read more
Bone Up on Density Study Bundles
NCCI 11.2 says it doesn't make sense for you to report these tests together Before you co... Read more
Overcome Your PET Peeves:
Bust These 4 PET/CT Myths
Follow these expert tips for separate diagnostic CT payment Problem: CMS replaced doze... Read more
Reader Questions:
Up Your Unbundling Understanding
Question: I'm new to coding and I feel that I hear the word "unbundling" used in different... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reject 75625 Temptation for This Arteriogram
Question: I've tried to report a bilateral selective renal arteriogram a couple of w... Read more
Reader Question:
See to CT and Contrast Rules
Question: May I use code 36000 in an office setting with CT procedures for abdomen and p... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be a Whiz at UT Pathology
Question: If the radiologist performs CPT 76775 and CPT 76857 for urinary tract (UT) pat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Meet Portable X-Ray Rules
Question: For a skilled nursing facility (SNF) patient, can we code R0070 for portable x-r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Depend on ICD-9 for MRA Pay
Question: Which code describes MRA of the cranium? We're having trouble getting reim... Read more
Reader Questions:
Claim All Aspects of Arthrogram
Question: How should I code an MRI or CT arthrogram of the shoulder?Minnesota Subscriber A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Seek Out CT or CTA Code?
  Question: We perform CTs of the thorax to rule out pulmonary emboli. At the same t... Read more
Power Up Your Percutaneous AAA Payment
Report supervision and interpretation once for road mapping Practical guidance is hard to... Read more
Count Your R's for Accurate Consult Coding
E/M coding is on the rise for radiology - are you prepared? Just a short while ago, Radio... Read more
Vocabulary Tip:
Don't Get Tangled in the 'Transfer of Care' Trap
Step up your efficiency with an understanding of this key term Because Medicare's consulta... Read more
Clip and Save:
Consult This List Before Coding E/M
We've straightened out the fine line between consultation and referral The next time you h... Read more
ABNs from A to Z:
How to Get Paid for All Services You Provide
Presented by Stacie L. Buck, RHA, LHRM The following supplement to Radiology Coding Aler... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 57155 for Performance, Not Advice
Question: My radiation oncologist wants me to code for some surgeries in which he talked a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Select 70551-70553 for MRI and IAC
Question: Is there any way to code for both IAC and brain MRI in the same session and get ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Be Stumped by Stent Coverage
Question: How should we interpret the new Medicare coverage decision for carotid artery st... Read more
Reader Questions:
Clue in to 76375 Expectations
Question: I've been hearing conflicting information about 76375. Some say Medicare is stil... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consult Mamm LCD for Mastectomy Patient
Question: When we perform a mammogram of the remaining breast on a patient who had a mas... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Analyze Enema Through Ileostomy
Question: How should I code the following report? Retrograde barium study through ile... Read more
Score an A+ When Coding First Pass Studies
Identify SPECT with ease to cut down on denials The National Correct Coding Initiativ... Read more
Produce Top-Quality Unlisted Procedure Claims Every Time
This expert checklist gets you from reviewer to reimbursement with no fuss Reporting u... Read more
Adopt This PET Chart to Stop Denials in Their Tracks
Change your ways, now that CMS has traded G codes for 78811-78816     If ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask Payer Before Appending -58
Question: If my radiologist inserts a urinary or biliary catheter and, because the patient... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consult 77370 in Special Circumstances
Question: My radiation oncologist is treating a pregnant patient. Can I report CPT 77370 ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ace Diagnostic Order Exceptions
Question: I know that radiologists typically can't order tests, but are there any exceptio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for Epidural Bundle
Question: My radiologist performs epidural steroid injections. Would you explain how to de... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn Your Per-Lesion Guidance
Question: I saw January's article "This Simple Trick for Coding Mammographic Guidance Will... Read more
Reader Questions:
Add to Your Add-On Knowledge
Question: I understand that there are very strict guidelines for when add-on CPT 76937 an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Units When CPT Lists Views
Question: What is the number of views the physician must take to bill CPT 73620 and 73630... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cardiac CT and Contrast
Question: If a quantitative left ventricular ejection fraction is ordered along with a car... Read more
NCCI Update:
Don't Explode Over 11.1's Bounty of Nuclear Medicine Bundles
Urinary bladder study edits are a head-scratcher for radiology coders Nuclear medicine pr... Read more
Code 77300:
Report Per Port or Per Calculation?
Put the 'basic' back in your basic dosimetry coding Not every port requiring basic radiat... Read more
Avoid Confusion Over New Perfusion Edits
This NCCI edit aroused controversy even before taking effectIf you've been reporting 78472... Read more
News You Can Use:
Mandatory- Freestanding Centers and Physicians Must Use New Q Codes
Plus: Chiropractors get x-ray powers Are you reporting Q codes to Medicare for contrast a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code E/M With Care
Question: Can I charge an E/M code for a radiologist for a regular office consultation reg... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Beyond the Index for Scanogram?
Question: Can I report a CT scanogram with CPT 73700 -52 or do I have to use 76040?Washing... Read more
Reader Questions:
Select 76098 for Specimen
Question: Our office has been debating when to report CPT 76098 . Should we use it for x-r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modify Less Extensive Code With -59
Question: I know that I can use modifier -59 to unbundle codes under the right circumstanc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append -55 for Post-Op Care
Question: Should we report E/M codes or a surgical code with modifier -52 when our interve... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Sites to Code Catheters
Question: Is there a scenario in which catheter placement could be both nonselective and s... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for 'Callback'
Question: Our radiologist did an MRI of the brain and on a subsequent date of service requ... Read more
A Surefire Way to Have Your PTA Coding Down Pat
Bolster your interventional coding with this thrombectomy example "Thorough" is the name ... Read more
Think Outside the Graft:
Thrombectomy Reports
Watch for documentation of significant thrombosis to avoid audit trouble Knowing whe... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Says Out With the 'G,' In With the CPT
Plus: CMS 'unbelievably' ponders a whole new group of edits CMS finally bowed ... Read more
Prostate Brachytherapy Breakdown
Take the mystery out of coding initial encounter and treatment planning When your radiati... Read more
Modifier Tip:
Get the Skinny on Which Codes Never Require -26 or -TC
Increase accuracy by checking equipment ownership According to CPT Codes, certain radi... Read more
Are You Applying Modifiers Correctly? 3 Steps Show You the Way
Here's how to choose between modifiers -50, -LT and -RT To determine when to apply modifi... Read more
You Be the Expert:
Bilateral X-Rays
Question: My radiologist took a bilateral knee     x-ray. Should I rep... Read more
Don't Miss Out on Surefire Bilateral Coding
Documenting these details can make all the difference Every coder knows that even the sma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to HCPCS for 78990 Substitute
Question: I noticed that CPT Codes deleted code 78990 (Provision of diagnostic radiophar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Total Views
Question: If our radiologist performs three single cervical views, may I report CPT 72020 ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Play It Safe With 76375
Question: If our radiologist performs direct axial and coronal imaging on a CT examination... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Confident About 'Complete'
Question: If our radiologist documents kidneys along with their size, mentions bladder or ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Number of Views to Select X-Ray Code
Question: What is the number of views the physician must take to bill CPT 73620 and CPT 7... Read more
You Be the Coder:
IVC Filter Report
Question: How should I code a report that says "removal of IVC filter?" Ca... Read more
'Break the Rules' to Boost Payment for Sentinel Node
Following CPT guidelines could be costing you moneyThe AMA and CPT tell you not to report... Read more
Quiz:
Put Your NCCI Knowledge To the Test
Prepare for the next round of bundles with this review of 11.0 and the basics April will b... Read more
4 Surefire Tips to Cut Down on Denials
Keep on top of which codes your payer prefersYou can't always count on CPT guidelines to ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Don't Miss These Corrections For CPT 2005
If you use the AMA's manual, get out your red pen to make changesCPT Codes added plenty o... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Examine X-ray Codes
Question: If a patient has anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views of the cervical spine an... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Read Over This Over-Read Question
Question: Our radiologist has been receiving increasing requests for "over-reads" of CT sc... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Continue Your Over-Read Education
Question: Is there any time when I can't code for a mammogram over-read? Our radiology pra... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Give Away Supplies for Free
Question: We have a new client that is a freestanding facility, whereas most of our client... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Stay Consistent With ICD-9 Rules
Question: I'm uncertain about how to handle diagnosis coding for findings that have the wo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Absorb This DXA Information
Question: Am I allowed to report DEXA codes 76075 and 76076 together?Illinois Subscriber ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Venogram Diagnosis Code
Question: Which ICD-9 Code is appropriate for an extremity and central venogram screenin... Read more
Test Your UGI Coding Savvy
Use this authentic report to sharpen your 74240 and  74241 skillsUpper gastrointestin... Read more
Take Your UGI Coding Up a Notch
Our specialists shift your knowledge from OK to expertAvoid coding pitfalls by knowing wha... Read more
Using Modifier -59 to Separate All Of Your NCCI Edits? Think Again
Here's how to protect your practice from the OIG crackdownIf you think of modifier -59 as ... Read more
Clip and Save:
Let This Tool Do the Modifier Work for You
Suppose your physician performs two procedures, but the National Correct Coding Initiati... Read more
News You Can Use:
NCCI's Latest Edits Include Codes That Aren't in CPT 2005
Plus: Follow CMS' new rules or risk an automatic denial According to the latest NCCI Edi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Knowing Terms Is Key
Question: What are the rules on reporting aortography codes CPT 75625 (Aortography, abdom... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Contrast
Question: Our IDTF radiologists want to code for the oral and rectal contrast used for CT ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify 'Venous Reflux' Before Coding
Question: We have a new radiologist on staff who uses the phrase "venous reflux" as patien... Read more
Reader Questions:
Complete This Coding Requirement
Question: Would you explain when to report CPT 76770? I've heard that "complete... Read more
You Be the Coder:
PEG Report
Question: How should I code the following report: The patient was placed in the supine p... Read more
Back-to-Basics Coding:
This Simple Trick for Coding Mammographic Guidance Will Earn You Big Bucks
You sent us your 76095 and 76096 questions - here are the answers If you report breast bi... Read more
Confused by IDTF Rules? We've Got the Remedy
Our experts clear up your myelogram and supervision uncertainty If you code for an indepe... Read more
News You Can Use:
Collect $2,216 for In-Office RF Endovenous Ablation Therapy
Take the good with the bad under Medicare's 2005 Physician Fee Schedule The 2005 Medi... Read more
Prove Patient Is 'Critical' When You Report 99291
CPT considers many services part of the critical care package When deciding whether your... Read more
Chart the Changes to 2005 Radiology RVUs
Use the charts below to determine how the 2005 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will affec... Read more
Are You Ready to End Your E/M-Guideline Confusion? We Can Help
Use CMS' responses to our questions to report correct E/M levels Like many coders,... Read more
Bonus Question:
Improve Your Prescription Drug Documentation
Find out what CMS has to say about the management options category Calculating a patient's... Read more
Reader Questions:
Experiment With IDET Coding
Question: I work for interventional radiologists who perform single and multi-level intrad... Read more
Reader Questions:
Analyze Add-On Codes
Question: Can I report 19295 for clip placement for core biopsies other than codes 19102 a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check It Out When in Doubt
Question: I got a report on an elderly patient regarding an insufficiency fracture of the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Locate Unlisted Procedures
Question: What is the correct MRI CPT Code for fiducial placement for brain tumor locali... Read more
Reader Question:
Let the Elements Drive Your History Documentation
Question: The chart that physicians use to select the level of history includes identifier... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Sentinel Node Injection
Question: How should I code for a sentinel node injection performed four times in each b... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999