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Radiology Coding Alert

Tap These E/M Truths to Keep Out of Auditor's Crosshairs
Securing the correct history level is easy with this element-by-element study You don't ... Read more
Red Alert:
Don't Get Caught by Medicare's PET Mistakes
Prepare now to avoid 2008 denials for A4641 If you've been counting on Medicare's claims... Read more
Take Action Oct. 1 to Get Your Hard-Earned TC Dollars
CMS heard your protests against TC denials on hospital admission days Good news: Medicar... Read more
Become a Nonselective Cath Coding Pro With This Arterial and Venous Primer
Ignoring serialography codes? You could be losing deserved dollars   Component ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Miss 0067T Coverage Opportunity
Question: How should I report a diagnostic virtual colonoscopy on a patient with colon di... Read more
Reader Question:
Check MD's Role for Stress Test Code
Question: Our radiologist administered a cardiac stress test in the office (he owns the e... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 2-View Chest and Rib X-Rays Separately
Question: How should I code for a two-view chest (71020) and unilateral ribs (71100) perf... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Count Up Complete US Requirements
Question: Does a complete renal ultrasound (US) have to include kidneys, ureters and blad... Read more
Challenge Your CT Skills With This Real-Life Case Study
Don't panic: We've got the truth behind this 'no indications for contrast' puzzle If you... Read more
Untangle Angiogram Reporting by Learning 3 Key Exceptions
Finally master when to code diagnostic exams separately Don't let angiograms trip up you... Read more
Heed This Contrast Supply Coding Warning
Can 1 injection yield 2 'with contrast' exams? You have to kick your coding skills into ... Read more
Reader Question:
Heads Up: HCPCS Updates Modifier GY
Question: I heard that modifier GY's descriptor changed to include non-Medicare patients.... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Discriminate Against Medicare No-Shows
Question: Is there a code to report a missed appointment to Medicare? Delaware Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider Consult Code for General IVR Request
Question: How specific must a consult request be? I know there must be a specific reason ... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick Proper Portable X-Ray Code
Question: Is there a separate code for reporting x-rays taken using portable equipment? I... Read more
Reader Question:
Urge Complete Kissing Balloon Documentation
Question: Sometimes my physician doesn't clearly document his catheter placement when he ... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Code Post-Hysterectomy US Complete?
Question: When coding a non-obstetric pelvis ultrasound (US) for a patient who has had a ... Read more
Head Off MRA 'With Contrast' Blunders With This 70544-70546 Guide
Keep tabs on which of these codes require direct supervision Medicare supplies you with a... Read more
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Stop Wasting Time Searching for Supervision Definitions
Quick quiz: Is level 01 general or direct supervision? You can finally crack the Medica... Read more
Ease Modifier 52 Fee Reductions With This Above-Board Strategy
Get the facts on when modifiers 52 and 53 really apply The next time your physician's do... Read more
ICD-9 Tip:
Get a Sneak Peek at Official 2008 List
Post this list on your desk to smooth the transition to new codes Are you prepared to sta... Read more
Reader Questions:
Aim for Ideal CT Orbits Documentation
Question: A patient had a limited CT of the orbits at our hospital before his MRI becaus... Read more
Reader Questions:
Search Out Pseudoaneurysm Dx
Question: What is a "pseudoaneurysm," and what diagnosis code should I use? Washington Su... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Into Diagnostic Indicator Meaning
Question: What are the diagnostic imaging family indicators for radiology? Indiana Subscr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Keep Up With DXA Coding
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I report for an axial DXA scan for a patient ... Read more
Heed This CCI Rule and Dodge 73530 Reimbursement Woes
CCI version 13.2 takes aim at 3 different specialty areas If you code for diagnostic, va... Read more
Take Charge of IVUS Claims With 3 Expert Tips
Hint: Check for this add-on to your add-on code Reporting the proper intravascular ultra... Read more
Ask the Expert:
Put CTA Postprocessing Question to Rest
Learn a key difference between CT and CTA If coding image postprocessing and 3-D renderi... Read more
Keep Track of PQRI Codes With This Category II Breakdown
Here's how to take some of the hassle out of this initiative You've got to make Physicia... Read more
Reader Questions:
Weigh Your 73050 Coding Options
Question: The descriptor for 73050 says, "with or without weighted distraction." If docum... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Over-Read Options With Payer
Question: Should I report CT and MRI over-reads as consultations, or is there a specific ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reduce Code Based on Order
Question: A referring physician ordered an MRI with contrast, but our tech accidentally p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Capture All Cyst Aspiration Codes
Question: What CPT and ICD-9 codes should I report for CT-guided renal cyst aspiration wi... Read more
Make the Coding Grade With This True/False X-Ray Checkup
Don't fall prey to this common bilateral coding trapMedical x-rays have been around since ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Get the Lowdown on 2 CMS PTA Coverage Determinations
Here's your head start on understanding renal coverageDon't get left in the dust as CMS ru... Read more
Match Modifier 25 With Its Proper Home on Your Claim
Ignore this rule, and expect image-guided intervention denial frustrationsMistakenly appen... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Dig in to Tunneled PICC Coding
Question: What CPT code should I report for a small-bore catheter tunneled into the intern... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Fix Your Fibrin Sheath Claims
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I report when the physician mechanically strips... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use 52 for Unilateral 93922 and 93923
Question: Can I report 93926 for a unilateral noninvasive physiological study?Ohio Subscri... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 78223 for HIDA Scan
Beware: The CPT code 78223 is deleted since Jan 2012......to know the exact 201... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Match S&I to OR Service
Question: I code for the hospital radiology department. Sometimes our techs help provide i... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find the Proper Fistula Code
Question: How should I code a report for a contrast exam (Isovue 300) via an existing chol... Read more
Take 5 to Get a Jump on How ICD-9 2008 Will Affect You
Use these tactics to help your physician's documentation line up with new specific coding ... Read more
Sample Report Challenge:
Test Your Mammogram Coding Skills Against the Experts'
1 tip helps you choose between high-risk and standard screenings with easeWork your way th... Read more
Back to Basics:
Try These Top-5 Tips for Unlisted-Procedure Claims
Submit electronic and paper? Avoid duplicate claim denials--here's howWhen reporting a cla... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ace Aneurysm Dx Coding
Question: Can you break down the ICD-9 codes I'm most likely to use for aortic aneurysms?C... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Overlook Angiography Add-On Code
Question: When may I report 75774?Indiana Subscriber Answer: In short, you may report +757... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Take 36478 Descriptor at Face Value
Question: What codes should I report when the physician uses ultrasonic guidance to map an... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Decide Which V Code Describes Pre-Op Best
Question: How should I report ICD-9 codes for preoperative screening x-rays?Vermont Subscr... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Require View Type, Not Just Number
Question: My documentation shows five spine views. May I report 72052 for this?Michigan Su... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Femur vs. Hip Fracture
Question: Our physician documented a fracture to the intertrochanteric femur region. Shoul... Read more
Tighten Up Your Sentinel Node Claims With This Code-by-Code Breakdown
Read the fine print on payer policies to avoid unexpected bundling frustrationSentinel nod... Read more
A Guide to Accuracy:
Get a Leg Up on Lymphoscintigraphy Coding
Protect yourself by knowing the documentation requirementsConfused about when to report ly... Read more
Keep These 7 ABCs of AAA Screening Close at Hand
Hint: Tip 2 will save you from countless headachesYou've got a few hoops to jump through i... Read more
Ask the Expert:
Use the Wrong 'Day,' Cheat Yourself of Hard-Earned Dollars
Clear up your E/M-definition confusion with this FAQE/M coding has become increasingly imp... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Make VCF Coding a Snap
Question: What is non-traumatic VCF? I need to find a diagnosis code for it.New York Subsc... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Limit This MRA Run Off to 74185/73725
Question: When I code an MRA run-off study, should I report abdomen, pelvis, and lower-ext... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Stop on 77073 for CT Scanogram
Question: May I report 77073 for CT scanograms, or is this code just for x-rays?California... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ask OR About Fluoro Charges
Question: I code for a hospital radiology department (not a physician). If we send personn... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Meet 3 Criteria to Code Angio and Stent
Question: When the radiologist intends to perform angioplasty or atherectomy, but the inte... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Turn to Category III for Calcium Scoring
Question: What code should I use for calcium scoring by itself?Indiana Subscriber Answer: ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Is Your US Coding on Track?
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I report when the radiologist performs a transr... Read more
Version 13.1 Update:
Don't Miss Legit Chances to Override These Hard-Hitting IVR Edits
Find out which new angioplasty codes are under the NCCI microscope Step outside the 70000-... Read more
Take the SRS Bull by the Horns:
Collect $600
Act on this NCCI edit deletion today Good news, stereotactic radiation coders: Here's your... Read more
News You Can Use:
Don't Let This GPO Form Mistake Cost You
Plus: ABNs may be getting a facelift  Just when you thought you'd met the April 1 dea... Read more
Bulletproof Your Bundled Coding With This Handy Chart
NCCI 13.1 takes aim at RF, CCTA, and AAA Speed up learning how National Correct Coding Ini... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Count on 0147T Component Pay
Question: We perform coronary artery CTA in our multi-specialty group's imaging facility. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Write Off PET/CT Glucose Check
Question: For PET/CT CPT codes 78814-78816, ACR recommends a glucose check prior to the sc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Time to Find Tibial Code
Question: What diagnosis code should I apply to a "tibial eminence fracture (McKeever type... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Finger Modifiers Off Radiology Claims
Question: Can I use finger and toe modifiers with 73140 and 73660?Wisconsin Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Forget 78814-78816 for Fused Images
Question: In the March issue, you explained when you can report diagnostic CTs separately ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Mix 78195 and 38792
Question: If I'm coding radioactive tracer injection to identify a sentinel node, but ther... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Meet Strict Requirements for Additional US
Question: I have documentation of a non-obstetric transvaginal ultrasound and transabdomin... Read more
Use 3 Tips to Make Bone Density Coding a Snap
Watch out: A denial for this old code could cost you $100 a pop If you find tracking M... Read more
Quiz:
Equip Yourself to Triumph Over Team Procedure Hassles
Hint: You don't always need modifier 62Too often, the first physician's claim across the f... Read more
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Prevent Denials: Avoid These Top-5 Claim Killers
Are you guilty of TrailBlazer's top radiology claim misdeedGood news: Trailblazer release... Read more
News You Can Use Don't Let This New Nuclear Med Rule Blow Up in Your Face
You may pick up a $15,000 fine if you don't meet 1 of 3 exceptions The federal government... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Report and Order for Dx
Question: I learned that I can choose my diagnosis code off of the physician's order, and... Read more
Reader Question:
Count Brain and IAC MRIs as 1, Usually
Question: What is the appropriate way to bill MRI of the brain and IACs?--'If two studies... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose 76 for 2 Interpretations by 1 MD
Question: Our clinic radiologist interpreted two single-view chest x-rays for the same pa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Master Multiple Angiographies
Question: What CPT codes should I report when the physician performs angiography on both l... Read more
CASE STUDY:
Arm Yourself to Solve Tough PET/CT Reports With This Expert Insight
Find out when coding a separate CT is above-board PET/CT machines offer radiologists impro... Read more
Close the Case on Troublesome Fracture Terminology
Use these tips to help distinguish between open and closed fractures Quick quiz: Do you kn... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Check 71010/71020 NCCI Rule
Question: I have a report for a two-view and single-view chest x-ray performed on the same... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Take 5 to Determine New vs. Established
Question: I have trouble keeping up with the little rules about whether a patient is new o... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Erase PHI Before You Click 'Send'
Question: I sometimes e-mail patient records to consultants or other coders for help on ho... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Don't Assume SPECT/CT Merits CT Code
Question: I heard that if I do a SPECT/CT and the CT portion of the system is single-slice... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Cut Out Unnecessary ABNs
Question: I recently started working at a practice thatI think overuses ABNs. Is it possib... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Don't Stress Over 78472 and 78473
Question: How can I tell when I should use 78472 rather than 78473?California SubscriberAn... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER--Are Conditional Orders Allowed?
Question: I work in a freestanding center, and I have an order that says to perform a diag... Read more
Zero In on New MRI Bundles Among the Slew of NCCI Edits
And pay attention to the SPECT edits that didn't change With the massive radiology-related... Read more
QUIZ:
Is Your MD Guilty of This $650 CT Documentation Mistake?
When doctors jumble exam reports, auditors may target your claimYou know your physician's ... Read more
Avoid Mixing These Ob/Non-Ob US Codes Together
Plus: See what's bundled into CT and MR studies with contrastStill trying to determine how... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Stop Guessing Location of New Fluoro Codes
Question: Remembering to use the new guidance codes is really frustrating. Can you break d... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Check Units to Avoid MUE Denials
Question: You mentioned last month that Medicare started applying MUEs in January. Where c... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Report 70555, Not 70554, With 96020
Question: Should I report 70554 or 70555 when an MD selects and interprets functional... Read more
READER QUESTION:
See CPT Guidelines on 76776
Question: We almost always see ultrasounds of transplanted kidneys with duplex Doppler. Bu... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Consider Real-Time the More Accurate Term
Question: What does the term "real-time" mean in imaging?Montana Subscriber Answer: "Real-... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
Develop Your DXA Skills
Question: What code should I report for a DXA scan (bone density study) on a patient's lat... Read more
CPT UPDATE ~ Nix New Codes 77373, 77435 for More Than 5 Fractions
Don't miss: Look to the Web for new chest x-ray CAD codes If you've been hoping for catego... Read more
CMS ROUNDUP ~ Learn How Far the 2007 TC Pay Cuts Reach Into Your Pocket
Plus: Get the latest on AAA screening coverage Keeping track of payer news and updates at ... Read more
Expect MUEs to Catch Claims for Unlikely Units Jan. 1
Consider these edits a way to prevent clerical mistakes News flash: Beginning in Janu... Read more
PAYER IN FOCUS ~ End Your Questions on Empire's Mammogram Policy
This payer says unilateral screenings are OK One carrier has clarified the coding issues a... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Learn the Definition of 'Repeat' for 76, 77
Question: Should I use modifier 76, 77, or 59 when a patient is seen twice on the same dat... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Verify Separate Sessions for This Modifier 59 Use
Question: The same radiologist read exams described by 73020 and 73030 an hour apart. May ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Decide Whether MIP Merits 3D Code
Question: We are doing MIPs on pulmonary emboli chest CT scan cases. When we perform MIPs,... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Pass on Reporting Possible AAA Dx
Question: We performed a retroperitoneal ultrasound. The admitting diagnosis header says, ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Figure Out Fluoro Units
Question: When we perform multiple joint injections at the same time, can we report 77002 ... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ Size Up Sentinel Node Injection
Question: When the physician performs four injections in the left breast for one sentinel ... Read more
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