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Radiology Coding Alert

PROCEDURE CODING:
Get a Jump on CPT 2007 With These 7 Can't-Miss Updates
Don't get lost among these drastic guidance code changes Prepare to adjust your thinking&n... Read more
CLIP & SAVE:
Move Those 2006 Mammogram Codes Off Your Job Aids
Here's a 2006-to-2007 crosswalk of some of your most used codes CPT 2007 offers up a massi... Read more
ICD-9 UPDATE:
Don't Miss This Official Routine X-Ray Coding Clarification
See what's changed in the official guidelines You should never bypass any chance to review... Read more
NPI:
Do You Have the Proper CMS-1500 Instructions?
Be sure you've got revised MLN article MM5060 You don't want to miss this revision to MLN ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Face the Calcium Scoring Facts
Question: Our hospital recently purchased a 64-slice CT scanner. Will we have reimbursemen... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Pay Special Attention to These OIG Hot Spots
Question: What's in the OIG's 2007 Work Plan?North Carolina Subscriber Answer: The 2007 OI... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get Hip to Elements Determining HPI
Question: An internal chart audit of our E/M claims showed that our history of present ill... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Find the Key to Your Prison POS Question
Question: What place-of-service code should I use if the doctor provides services at a pri... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
Ease Your 'CT Sinus' Headache
Question: Our freestanding imaging center performs a CT of the sinuses without contrast (i... Read more
Steer Clear of NCCI's Latest 75893 Coding Snag
Be prepared to justify separately reporting venous sampling RS&I Code 75893 sits in th... Read more
Confused by NCCI Edits? 4 Phrases Clear the Fog
Standard policy statements get you inside the decision process If you don't know what the... Read more
Modifier Lesson:
Stop Letting 76, 77 Slipups Cost You Big Bucks
Learn CMS' rule for procedures performed 3 times in 1 day Payers may think you made a typo... Read more
Next Issue:
Prepare for 2007 Fluoro Code Changes
Plus: Radiation services get a faceliftThe switch to CPT 2007 is closing in fast. Next mon... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Flub Fluoro Coding
Question: We report 76000 when the physician uses a fluoroscopy machine with procedures. C... Read more
Reader Question:
Stop Worrying About Counting Consults
Question: How often can we report consult codes for the same patient? We saw a patient in ... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig Up Necessity for Double Doppler
Question: Can carotid Doppler (93880) be performed on the same day as venous Doppler (9396... Read more
Reader Question:
Set Yourself Up for a Great Self-Audit
Question: Do you have any tips for performing a coding self-audit?Mississippi Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Question:
Ask Whether TP Was Immediately Available
Question: What are the rules on teaching physicians being present during interventional ra... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Size Up Doppler Coding Options
Question: Is there a separate billing code for color Doppler added to an abdominal ultraso... Read more
Don't Get Left Behind as Mammography Goes Digital
Keep your HCPCS book close to stay out of troubleNew technology is making it more cost-eff... Read more
Crack Down on Fee-Reducing Modifier 52 Mistakes
Do you know the CMS rule for partial S&I services?If you automatically append modifier... Read more
Payer Corner:
Reduce Modifier 52 Stress With This TrailBlazer Advice
The Texas Part B provider offers some documentation clarificationExpect a denial if your m... Read more
News You Can Use:
Buried in CMS Releases? Help Is Here
1 handy chart offers all the details on 7 can't-miss updatesKeeping up with all the coding... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Prepare to Fill Split Identifier Fields
Question: Can you offer any details on the new CMS-1500?Kansas Subscriber Answer: Mark you... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Match Duplex and US to Proper CPT Codes
Question: We've been getting denials when we report 93978 and 76700 on the same claim. We ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Change US Diagnosis Based on Reason
Question: I recently started coding for ultrasounds at a multispecialty clinic. Is there a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Out Your Trial Coding Skills
Question: Our facility is participating in a Medicare-approved study. Should I use modifie... Read more
Code This PTA Piece-by-Piece to Capture Every Penny
Pay attention:  Not every procedure follows the normal treatment pathInterventional r... Read more
Tally Up Your PTA Procedure Note Codes
Once you determine the proper codes for your interventional report, you should rank the su... Read more
Ask the Expert:
Don't Ignore These 77321 And 77336 Documentation Do's
A weekly physics review chart will keep you in your payer's good gracesMisunderstanding ev... Read more
CPT Update:
Check Out the RVU Changes Coming Your Way
Stay tuned for 2007 newsImaging and vascular surgery both have a place of honor on the AMA... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Medicare Site for Quick LCD Search
Question: Where can I go to look up Medicare carriers’ local coverage determinatio... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Make Your ABN Known With a Modifier
Question: Is there a modifier I can use to let Medicare know I have an ABN on file?Washing... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Match Myelography and Injection Codes
Question: Which procedure code should I pair with myelography code 72240?Kansas Subscriber... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch 26/TC Claims to Combined Contractor
Question: I've heard that the switch to combined  Part A/Part B Medicare contractors ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Analyze Aortogram vs. Angiogram
Question: How does CPT coding differ for angiographies and aortographies?Ohio Subscriber A... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Confirm Proper Complex Sim Documentation
Question: What are the requirements for reporting 77290?Mississippi Subscriber Answer: Com... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
Stop Wondering About 'Static' in 78201
Question: What does "static only" mean in 78201's descriptor?Idaho SubscriberAnswer: Nucle... Read more
NCCI Update:
Don't Let These Transcatheter Coding Edits Trip You Up
One slip could delay payment for this $2,000 service National Correct Coding Initiative ... Read more
NCCI Update:
Does Your Facility Report C8900? Read This First
Note these HCPCS edits, released July 1 Hospital coders, listen up: You've got a long lis... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Radiology Coding Range With These 6 Questions
Hint: You’ll find the answers in previous Radiology Coding Alert issues Summer s... Read more
News You Can Use:
Be the First to Know Whether +0152T Will Lose Its '+'
The CPT Panel may let you report this code independently The code for chest radiograph CA... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Test Your Radiology Coding Range With These 6 Questions
Grade your responses to the questions on page 60 See if your answers match up with the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Claim Contrast When Warranted
Question: How should we claim contrast for CT scans?Ohio Subscriber Answer: If your practi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit Paper Claims on Time
Question: Do you have any suggestions for filing paper claims for unlisted-procedure codes... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get in Line for Online Services Pay
Question: I've heard that we can charge insurance for our physician's online services, suc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Count on 76140 Pay
Question: When is it appropriate to report CPT 76140 (Consultation on x-ray examination m... Read more
Reader Questions:
Go to 76942 for US Guidance
Question: How should I code ultrasound-guided nerve blocks?  Pennsylvania Subscriber ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Avoid 70371, 74230 Confusion
Question: Would you explain the difference between 70371 and 74230?Florida SubscriberAnswe... Read more
Don't Let Vertebroplasty Denials Cost You Thousands
Understanding the kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty distinction is crucial You can set yourself ... Read more
Stumped Coding Cervical Vertebroplasty? Try 22899
Make this documentation suggestion to your radiologist CPT Codes does not provide a code... Read more
Radiation Oncology:
Are You Making a $900 HDR Mistake? Find Out Here
Experts reveal whether you should charge for radiation sources separately High dose rate (... Read more
New Code Update:
Start Using 0159T Today For CAD Breast MRI
July brings new Category III option The CAD MRI code you've been hearing about is finally... Read more
Nail Down HDR Coding With This Example
Hint: A staged-procedure modifier may be your best bet Pull the plug on HDR coding mistake... Read more
News You Can Use:
Make Over Your Mammogram Diagnosis Coding
See if this CMS announcement changes your screening claims Add one more bullet to your li... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pause Before Using Prolonged Services Codes
Question: When am I allowed to use prolonged services codes?Louisiana Subscriber Answer: P... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Vessels for Stent Placement
Question: Would you give me an example of how to apply the phrase "each vessel" for CPT 75... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to MRA Codes for MRV
Question: Is there a special CPT Code for reporting MRV procedures? Florida Subscribe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Breast MRI Dx on Documentation
Question: Are there any rules about reporting a  diagnosis code for a breast MRI? ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Separate Codes for IVP and CT IVP
Question: Which CPT Codes properly describe a CT IVP examination? Idaho Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Comply With Complete Abdominal US Rules
Question: Should we report a limited or complete abdominal ultrasound when the dictation o... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Lock on to This Lip US Code
Question: What CPT code should we report if the radiologist performs an ultrasound soft-ti... Read more
Pick Up $100 Every Time You Apply This NCCI Edit Deletion
Don't miss your chance to code 76830 with 76856 when you have documentation of b... Read more
Get Paid for Tests With Normal Results--Here's How
Connect this symptom code to your procedure to earn paymentWhen tests come back without a ... Read more
Advance Your Essential Diagnosis Coding Know-How
Hint:  Consider personal history codes when results are inconclusiveYou can bank on t... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Be the First to Know Next Year's Codes
Prepare to start using this new code for altered mental statusGet ahead of the ICD-9 game ... Read more
CMS Update:
News Flash--You Must Now Look for Category III CTA Professional and Technical Components
Use this chart to get a quick rundown of important changes you need to knowCMS has been bu... Read more
Interventional Procedure Report:
Pass the PCNL Coding Test
See if you'd capture all the payment your practice deservesCoding interventional procedure... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Reap Radiofrequency and MRI Guidance Payment
Question: Our radiologist performed a percutaneous radiofrequency renal ablation in the ho... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Miss the 'S' in Port Film Descriptor
Question: I've always billed CPT 77417 per the number of films taken (2, 3, 4), but I rec... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Claiming FNA and Core Codes Could Spell Trouble
Question: May I code both a core biopsy and FNA performed on the same day?Maine Subscriber... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Master Medicare Supervision Levels
Question: Would you explain the "physician supervision of diagnostic services" section of ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Read Up on 3D Reconstruction
Question: For CPT 76376 and CPT 76377 , does the radiologist have to list the planes in w... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Jot Down These Jurisdiction Resources
Question: Is there any guidance on whether to report HCPCS Codes to our DMERC or local c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Compare Contrast Rules
Question: What code should I use when the techs do a CT scan of the abdomen and the pati... Read more
NCCI Update:
Avoid Audit Trouble With This 76350 Coding Tip
Hint:  Just say no to reporting this subtraction codeThrow out your bad coding habits... Read more
Are You Losing Your Practice $130 per Duplex Scan?
Master 'complete' and 'limited' to end this costly mistake If you&rsq... Read more
NCCI Update:
Dive Into Edits for Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging
Our expert gives you the MPI-vs.-equilibrium coding factsMyocardial perfusion and cardiac ... Read more
NCCI Update:
Stop CT/CTA Coding Slipups
Add these version 12.1 edits to your Category lll CTA code toolboxDon't let the latest Nat... Read more
News You Can Use:
Prepare Now for a Possible 35 Percent Cut in MRI Pay
Plus:  A new MQSA file will help carriers deny terminated-facility claimsDon't get ca... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Follow 3D's 'Physician Supervision' Rule
Question: CPT Codes Changes states that the 3D codes 76376 and 76377 require concurrent ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Match MRI Codes to Contrast Use
Question: How should I code "MRI of LS spine and sacrum and coccyx"?North Carolina Subscri... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check TOS for 22521 Reimbursement
Question: Public aid will not pay our radiologist for CPT 22521 , saying they only pay a s... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Learn the ABCs of UFE
Question: We have a new interventional radiologist who will be performing uterine fibroid ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Limit Your CT Codes to Once per Day
Question: A patient had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast by one radiologist... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look to Unlisted-Procedure Code for Wire Localization
Question: What's the proper code when the radiologist places a wire localization in the ri... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 33967 for IABP
Question: I'm looking for the code for intra-aorta balloon catheter through skin. It was 9... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Focus on Follow-Up Mammogram Guidance
Question: Our radiologists perform breast biopsies and place a clip at the same time. They... Read more
Single Out Endovenous Ablation Modality Or Expect Denials
Verify laser, RF or chemical saphenous vein ablation before you code Payers set up lo... Read more
Take the Guesswork Out Of Ablation Diagnosis Coding
Help your practice determine when patients are responsible for payment Payers are pick... Read more
Match the Proper ICD-9 Codes With 78608 Every Time
Keep this list from CMS close at hand The next time you find yourself coding FDG-PET scan... Read more
Nail Down Arthrography and Epidurography Requirements
Don't settle for a fluoroscopy code when 73542 or 72275 is more accurate Every day you ha... Read more
Clip-and-Save Tool:
Select the Proper RS&I and Surgery Code Pair at a Glance
Use this epidurography/arthrography guide to say goodbye to denials Keeping track of which... Read more
News You Can Use:
Catch the Rubidium Tripled-Reimbursement Wave
Report A9555 to reap the benefits of this PET rate hike Is your physician one of the many ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stand Up for MRI Payment?
Question: I code for stand-up MRI centers that can scan patients in different positions, s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append GG to Diagnostic Code
Question: When should I report modifiers GG and GH?Arkansas SubscriberAnswer: Append modif... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Venous Mechanical Thrombectomy Rules
Question: I’m confused by some of the guidelines in my CPT manual . One paragraph ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to LOCM Q Codes for All Locations
Question: Should I report the LOCM "Q codes" for exams performed in a hospital setting?Ind... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code CTA the Right Way
Question: Is CPT 71275 (CT angiography, chest) the appropriate code for cardiac CTA?Misso... Read more
Troubleshoot Coding for Urological Disorder Imaging Exams
Don't miss the ACR's guidance on abdominal and pelvic CTs Get a leg up on common urology ... Read more
Quiz:
Test Your Skills Coding 2 Urology Imaging Exams
Find out whether you know how to code ‘without and with’ contrast exams Yo... Read more
Catch on to CAD Coding With All the 0152T Details
Non-Medicare values may prevent your usual Category III headache New computer-aided de... Read more
Quiz Answers:
Test Your Skills Coding 2 Urology Imaging Exams
Find out if you correctly coded the examples presented on page 19. Exam 1 Report th... Read more
Overwhelmed by Recent CMS Releases? Help Is at Hand
Missing the surrogate UPIN change guarantees denials Your day is packed full of responsibi... Read more
Wade Through CMS Web Site Changes With This Handy List
Find mammography guidelines at a glance CMS' recent Web site makeover means you need to u... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sniff Test Coding a Snap
Question: Our doctor performs a fluoroscopic "sniff" test to evaluate diaphragmatic motion... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pay Attention to Modifier 51 Symbol
Question: Our radiologist often performs multiple procedures. Do I have to append modifier... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Medical Necessity for 76856 and 76830
Question: One of our gynecologists recommended a complete transabdominal pelvic ultrasound... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn Your Liver Procedures
Question: What's the difference between the surgical procedures that require RS&I code... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Grasp Gastro Tube RS&I Concepts
Question: What code describes radiological supervision and interpretation for introducing ... Read more
End Your Endovascular Repair Code Confusion
Hint:  Match the new RS&I and surgery codesDon't be fooled by the new codes for e... Read more
Don't Miss Opportunities to Report Additional Services With 33880-33891
You may report the new codes for endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta, 3... Read more
Find Out Where the Radiology Experts Stand on NCCI 12.0
See why these angioplasty bundles make senseYou've got mail! Letters to the National Corr... Read more
Clip-and-Save Tool:
Count on This Handy Chart to Report 33880-33891 Flawlessly
One look will keep you clear from radiology bundling errorsBefore you even begin to code e... Read more
OIG Update:
Appending Modifier 25 for IVR Consent Could Spell Trouble
Check your documentation to steer clear of a renewed emphasis on auditsNews flash: The Off... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Knock Out NEC, NOS Coding Questions
Question: What do “NEC” and “NOS” mean in ICD-9 coding? How shou... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 76856 Even if US Reveals Pregnancy
Question: What CPT Code should we report if the radiologist performs a pelvic ultrasound... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Seek Out Authoritative Guidance on Orders
Question: Would you direct me to authoritative guidance on who can order inpatient and out... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Rarely Repeat 77295 Claim
Question: Is it ever OK to code more than one 3D simulation during the same course of radi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Expect Denial for 92973 Reported Alone
Question: Can I use CPT 92973 to report an AngioJet performed without PTCA or stent?South... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report US and Us Guidance Separately
Question: I code for a multi-specialty clinic. An obstetrician ordered a routine ultrasoun... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Meet Descriptor Requirements for X-Ray Code
Question: How should I code three views of the ribs (unilateral) with no chest involved? K... Read more
2006 HCPCS Update:
Rev Up Your Radiopharmaceutical Coding With Expert Coding Tips
Prepare for a change in the units box when reporting these codesGood news if you've been s... Read more
Avoid Denials:
Apply These HCPCS Changes Jan. 1
Rubidium coding gets a faceliftCPT Codes 2006 brought a wave of change for radiology code... Read more
Keep Your Eyes Open for New Moderate Sedation Codes
Medicare reimbursement may still be just a dream If your patients commonly require se... Read more
Stay Alert for Moderate Sedation Keywords
These 3 hints keep you aware of moderate sedation useDon't write off coding "moderate seda... Read more
Say Sayonara to Codes for Second Opinions
Consults go through a major shake-up in 2006 Put the checking of E/M code changes at ... Read more
Knock Out 'Intra-Service' Time Confusion for MS Codes
Losing track of time could be a compliance risk Brush up on your addition skills befo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Assign 10022, 76360 for This Aspiration
Question: Which CPT Codes should I use for the following report? A 22-gauge 20-cm Ch... Read more
Coding For Success:
Maximizing E/M Revenue
Presented by Jim Collins, CPC, CHCC The following supplement to Radiology Coding Aler... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code View, Not Films
Question: How should we code the different components when a physician orders bilateral wr... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Vertebral Fracture Assessment Order
Question: What are the documentation, diagnosis, and bundling guidelines for 76077? May I ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Assess Your Aneurysm Repair Imaging Skills
Question: How should I code the following procedure for a 2006 service?The radiologist int... Read more
Available Years:  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999