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Radiology Coding Alert

Sidestep These 3 X-Ray Scenario Pitfalls
Supercharge your skills by knowing which guidelines to keep handy at all times Radiolog... Read more
Learn These Secrets to Separate Aspiration and Biopsy
1 tip lets you find core biopsy codes in a snapIf you have trouble telling the difference ... Read more
News You Can Use:
CCI May Bring You a Fall Reimbursement Surprise
Version 13.3's controversial IR change may be historyYou've let your opinion be heard, and... Read more
Fluoro in Focus:
1 Hospital Rule Every Radiology Practice Must Know
The AMA speaks up on a common -- but tricky -- scenarioCPT offers you plenty of fluoroscop... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Report 3D Code for Coronal
Question: Our facility recently purchased a new CT machine. We now perform a pelvic and ab... Read more
Reader Questions:
71035 OK for More Than Bucky
Question: Which views merit 71035?Indiana SubscriberAnswer: CPT lists a couple of the view... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payers May Label DMX 'Experimental'
Question: Which CPT code should I use for spinal digital motion x-ray?West Virginia Subscr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find EF PC/TC Indicator in Fee Schedule
Question: I have heard conflicting advice about whether modifier 26 is necessary when we r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Chiropractor Exception Lowdown for 2008
Question: May radiologists still order x-rays for Medicare patients referred by chiropract... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Catch Every MRI Code
Question: Which codes should I report for a brain MRI with and without contrast? The diagn... Read more
Part II:
Dig Into US With Doppler Documentation -- Here's the Scoop
Separate paragraphs are ideal for red flag items such as 93976Deciding when you may report... Read more
Sample Report:
Learn the Ins and Outs of US/Doppler Using This Case
Review the sample below, and then turn to p. 81 for the expert analysisOrder: Transvaginal... Read more
Capture an Extra $86 for Fluoro With Epidural Steroid Injection
Master coding for the growing pain-management trendYou need to get up to speed fast if you... Read more
Steer Clear of 72275 Unless You Meet These Requirements
Epidurography may be appropriate, but don't confuse it with 77003You may be tempted to rep... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on 'Vessel Origin' for 75650
Question: My radiologist provided radiological supervision and interpretation for vessel... Read more
Reader Questions:
Knee and Ankle = 73721 x 2
Question: We performed an MRI for a knee and an ankle, both on the left leg. We have two s... Read more
Reader Questions:
TMJ Arthrography Merits 70332
Question: What are the differences among TMJ codes 70328, 70330 and 70332?Rhode Island Sub... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Screening Mammo With Cyst
Question: A patient presents to our office for a routine screening mammogram (not digital)... Read more
Part 1:
Don't Let Poor Paperwork Steal $514 From Your Doppler Claims
Follow these tips to prove medical necessityWatch out: You could be one of the radiology p... Read more
News You Can Use:
CCI Isn't Leaving PET HCPCS Coding to Chance
Any attempt to override this edit will bring immediate denialSummer's here and that means ... Read more
Tackle 3 Tough MRI Questions With These Expert Insights
Find out which code the AMA suggests for pituitary MRIs CPT offers you one set of MRI ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assign Codes for Diagnoses Affecting Care
Question: A patient had an outpatient chest x-ray because he complained of weakness and ha... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for Packaging in Hospital Coding
Question: I code for a hospital, and we've been receiving denials from Medicare for outpat... Read more
Reader Questions:
75989 Is Accurate for Abscess
Question: Should I report 75989 or 77012 for CT imaging guidance of abscess drainage?New Y... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try 726.4 for This Overuse Injury
Question: We performed an MRI for a patient with intersection syndrome of the wrist. Which... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Payer Paybacks Using +0159T
Question: Should we report 0159T for MRI CAD that doesn't include pharmacokinetic analysis... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide Codes for Single Approach, 2 Tubes
Question: Which CPT code(s) should I report for a single percutaneous approach to the kidn... Read more
Pinpoint More Precise 2009 Headache Codes to Defeat High-End Imaging Denials
Plus: Identify patients at risk of stroke with upcoming migraine code changesHang on to yo... Read more
Apply Oncology ICD-9 Changes Oct. 1, Prevent Payment Delays
Good news: Diagnosis coding for patients in relapse will get a little easierIf you perform... Read more
News You Can Use:
Act Now: CMS Considers CT Colonography Coverage
You may see a proposed decision memo by ThanksgivingTo the delight of radiology practices ... Read more
More 2009 ICD-9 Codes You Need to Know
From pressure ulcers to suspected ob troubles, we've got you covered Breast disord... Read more
Reader Questions:
Abdominal X-Ray Documentation Needs View Type
Question: Which code should I report for a four-view abdominal x-ray?Illinois SubscriberAn... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Renal CTA With 74175
Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for a renal CTA?Oklahoma SubscriberAnswer: You ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for IMRT vs. Compensator-Based IMRT
Question: How should I report IMRT treatment planning for a head and neck cancer patient... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Single UFE Code
Question: May I report uterine embolization services more than once per session if the rad... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Proper Colles' Code
Question: How should I code the following abbreviated report?Header: XR wrist AP + LatRigh... Read more
Interventional Radiology:
Sharpen Your Component Coding Skills With This Case Study
Put your first- and second-order know-how to the testCPT may be adding more all-inclusive ... Read more
Radiosurgery:
Kick Those Controversial SRS Edits to the Curb as of April 1
CCI puts more green in your springThe Correct Coding Initiative (CCI), version 14.1, answe... Read more
Pain Management:
Double Up on Bilateral Somatic Nerve Coding, Net an Extra $30
No fooling -- did you catch this important April change?Put a little effort into breaking ... Read more
Reader Questions:
1 Organ Can Equal 93975
Question: My radiologist has requested that I report 93975 when he examines only the ovari... Read more
Reader Questions:
Cover PET Restaging Coverage Bases
Question: What codes should I report to Medicare for PET imaging used to restage Hodgkin's... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Order Before Coding Infant MRI
Question: A physician ordered a hip MRI for an infant, but the exam reads as follows: MRI ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Settle for 10160 for This Aspiration
Question: Should I report 10160 when the radiologist advances an 18-gauge needle into the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Match MRA Codes to Vessels
Question: Our radiologist documented visualizing the following vessels through MRA: infrar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Bilateral Modifiers Off of 74420
Question: Is 74420 a bilateral procedure? If so, should I report RT and LT?Washington Subs... Read more
Reader Questions:
Size Up Separate-Session MRIs
Question: A patient arrives for a brain MRI without contrast. The radiologist sees somethi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get a Grip on US Guidance Coding
Question: How should I code the following report from the radiologist?Technique: Real-time... Read more
Denial Alert:
Consult CCI Edits Before Reporting 76998 With 32998
The latest round clears up brain MRI coding, but not same-vessel intervention controvers... Read more
Bust Category III Payment Myth, Make 0067T Dollars Yours
CT colonography coding is easy with these expert insightsChanges may be on the horizon for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Local ICD-9 Code Is a Must for 77078
Question: Under what circumstances will Medicare cover 77078 for monitoring patients on os... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Forget Fluoro With Facet Injection
Question: May I separately report fluoroscopy if the radiologist uses guidance with a sing... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Indicator '3' for Mastoids
Question: Are mastoid view codes 70120-70130 unilateral or bilateral?Utah SubscriberAnswer... Read more
Reader Questions:
7 Cervical Views Not Always 72052
Question: If documentation shows seven cervical spine views but doesn't mention oblique, f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try Triple Codes for Liver Biopsy
Question: What CPT code(s) should I report for a transjugular liver biopsy?Alabama Subscri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pick Up on Nerve Block With UFE
Question: What codes should I report when the radiologist performs a hypogastric nerve blo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Cholangiography Codes With Care
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I use for the following T-tube cholangiogram re... Read more
Combat SPECT Coding Missteps With This Case Study
Keep an eye out for this legit $40 boostYou can prepare for complicated nuclear medicine c... Read more
Stop Denials:
Learn How 96020 Fits Into Your fMRI Claims
Here's what the 70554 and 70555 rules mean for you CPT guidelines lay down the law that y... Read more
Code Stress Test Supervision, Too? Don't Miss These Tips
Pinpoint most likely codes for radiologists ahead of timeCoding stress tests can take you ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find CCI Edits Before Charging Fluoro
Question: Where can I find a list of all the operating room procedures that are incidental... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Specific Injury When Possible
Question: Which ICD-9 codes should I report for an ankle x-ray for a patient with injury-r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remove Modifier 51 From Medicare Claims
Question: Do I have to append modifier 51 every time our radiologist performs multiple pro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask ASC for TC Payment
Question: If the radiologist takes imaging equipment to an ASC, can I report the global im... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payers May Focus on Reformatted CT TC Pay
Question: When we perform a chest CT scan (71260) on a trauma patient, we also reformat th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Match Proper Mammo Code to Service
Question: We reported G0202-TC for a patient who presented for a screening mammogram. The ... Read more
Compliance Corner:
Finally Ace 3-D Coding With 5 Can't-Miss Rules
You can't choose between 76376 and 76377 without this documented detailCorrect Coding Init... Read more
Expert Advice:
Prepare Now for Tomorrow's 3-D Payment Obstacles
Facilities' future reimbursement depends on what you report today3-D rendering reimburseme... Read more
On the Cutting Edge:
5 Radiology Coding Lessons Version 14.0 Can Teach You
Here's what CCI says about reporting new cardiac MRI codes togetherCorrect Coding Initiati... Read more
Watch for Q0, Q1 Changeover
Question: When should I start using the new NOPR modifiers Q0 and Q1?Maryland SubscriberAn... Read more
Steer Clear of Modifier 76 Misuse
Question: For a four-view femur report, should I report 73550 and 73550-76?New York Subscr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Modifier GD With Caution
Question: If our clinic can show medical necessity for multiple units of a single procedur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check for Unilateral Mammogram Policy
Question: A patient has a history of a unilateral mastectomy for cancer and has remained a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Put Your Pancreatitis Coding Skills to the Test
Question: What CPT and ICD-9 codes should I report for an MRCP for a patient with acute pa... Read more
CPT 2008:
Here's What's in Store for Your IR's Urology-Related Coding
At last -- a 2008 code that allows you to report RS&I separatelyYou'll find reporting ... Read more
Stop Shortchanging Yourself on CTA Claims
The AMA acts to correct a common misconceptionCTA codes get a 2008 facelift aimed to bolst... Read more
Get a Sneak Peek at Radiology CCI 14.0 News
This round proves the importance of having an updated CPT manualCorrect Coding Initiative ... Read more
CPT 2008 Coughs Up 5 New Chest Tube Codes
Water seal inclusion becomes clearerThe AMA includes a thoracentesis code overhaul in CPT ... Read more
Diagnostic Imaging:
Coding Cardiac MRI? Check Out What Medicare Will Cover
Odd-numbered services are winners, but even numbers are out of luckIf you've been looking ... Read more
Finally -- a Code for PICC Blood Draws
Switch up 2 other vascular access device codes to match CPT 2008Years have passed since CP... Read more
CPT Update:
Modifier 22 Gets a Facelift in 2008: Are You Prepared?
The experts weigh in on what the changes mean to youBacking up your use of modifier 22 has... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pick 1 Vertebroplasty Primary Code
Question: If the radiologist performs vertebroplasty that crosses spinal regions (such as ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicaid May Still Require 2007 Codes
Question: I've been getting Medicaid denials for 2008 diagnosis codes. Wasn't I supposed t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Search OSS for Previous Issues
Question: Which codes should I report for inspiration and expiration views? I know the Rad... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base US on Pregnancy Diagnosis
Question: We performed an ultrasound on a patient with a positive pregnancy confirmed by a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take the Pain Out of Epidural Coding
Question: Which CPT codes should I report if the radiologist performs a fluoroscopically g... Read more
CPT 2008:
Heads Up -- Here's How the New G-Tube Codes Will Affect You
Count on 43760 for your claims? Not so fast CPT 2008 is offering up some of the gastrosto... Read more
Prepare Now for RS&I-Inclusive Code Pitfalls
Make choosing the right code easy to keep denials from taking your dollars Although the s... Read more
Case Study:
Overlook This Breast MRI Rule and Count on Denials
Add these 0159T CAD tips to your coding toolbox If you're looking for guidance on whether... Read more
UnitedHealthcare Extends CAD Coverage -- for Now
A previously announced policy goes on hold CAD coverage issues are up in the air for many... Read more
HCPCS Update:
Time to Learn New LOCM Codes -- Again
This round, HCPCS combines amounts to narrow your coding options You'll be ringing in the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch These 75980/75982 Subtleties
Question: What procedures should I match with 75980 and 75982? Washington Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Limit V72.5 to Rare 'Routine' X-Ray
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for a routine x-ray if the patient doesn't hav... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Myelopathy Dx to Referring Physician
Question: Which ICD-9 Code should I use for a report that says: Mild central disk bulge... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take the Pressure Out of 'CT Sinus' Coding
Question: Which CPT code(s) should I report for the following? Our freestanding imaging c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Reduce Amputee CT Fee
Question: Should we append modifier 52 to an extremity CT scan for a patient with a parti... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Organ Failure in Pre-Transplant Coding
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I use when we perform a screening chest x-ray prior to ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Test Your Sniff Test Savvy
Question: What code should I report for a fluoroscopic "sniff" test to evaluat... Read more
2008 Update:
Report Lymphoma PET Scans? Code Changes Bring a Double Whammy
78811-78816 descriptor revisions could lead to increased coverage Your ICD-9 lymphoma opt... Read more
Mythbuster:
Tackle This Mammogram Myth to Stop Losing Hard-Earned Pay
Extra work isn’t enough -- E/M rules still apply Myth: You should never bill an ... Read more
Clip and Save:
At-a-Glance Chart Reveals the 2008 Changes Affecting You
Hint: Revised CTA codes clearly include any performed noncontrast images PET/CT code revi... Read more
News Flash:
Act Now or Miss Out on Your Rightful MRI Contrast Dollars
CMS says Q9952 has a spot on imaging claims In all the excitement of CPT and ICD-9 2008 c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Work Out 'Without and With' Rules
Question: Can I report 71270 if the radiologist performs preliminary images without cont... Read more
Reader Questions:
Foot/Ankle MRI May Equal 1 Code
Question: If an MRI order is for "foot and ankle," should I bill these separately as join... Read more
Reader Questions:
Chew on These 70480 Edits
Question: What code should I report for a temporal bone CT? We performed it with a head C... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Plane and View Definitions Clear
Question: What are the meanings of the different planes and views for radiological servic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn Your State's VFSS Requirements
Question: Should I report 92611 when the radiologist participates in an inpatient VFSS wi... Read more
Reader Questions:
CMS Says No-Show Fee Is OK -- Sometimes
Question: Did Medicare change its billing policy for missed appointments? What does the p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Do Additional Views Merit 75774?
Question: When our physicians perform peripheral angiograms on the lower extremities and ... Read more
Auditing Tool:
3 Can't-Miss Radiology Coding Lessons
Will Medicare be asking you to return part of the $59 million overpaid to radiologists? C... Read more
CCI 13.3:
See October's New IR Edits at a Glance
CCI takes a stab at separating IR and heart cath codes Good news: If you've been coding c... Read more
News You Can Use:
Take a Sneak Peek at How CPT 2008 Affects IR Codes
Discover which Category III code finally gets promoted to Category I The new year -- and ... Read more
Keep an Eye on Carriers for New Moderate Sedation Pay
A change from CMS could be good news for your bottom line You may be in the habit of igno... Read more
Reader Question:
Steer Clear of This $100,000 EBCT Pitfall
Question: I've heard about imaging centers getting in trouble for supposedly billing EBCT... Read more
Reader Question:
Focus on Fibroid Diagnosis
Question: Our interventional radiologists have started performing uterine fibroid emboliz... Read more
Reader Question:
Require Separate Session/Site/Procedure for 59
Question: I know I don't need separate diagnoses for separate procedures I report with mo... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Fee Schedule for Bilateral Indicator
Question: Can I report 77073 for both extremities with modifiers LT and RT, or should I ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for Lesser Code Before Using 52
Question: Should I report an ordered and performed one-view femur x-ray with 73550-26-52?... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify Documentation for 76937
Question: I code for a hospital. If the radiologist uses ultrasound guidance when accessi... Read more
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