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Radiology Coding Alert

Part 1:
Clinch Endovascular AAA Repair Code by Asking 5 Key Questions
These diagrams help you distinguish 34800-34805 services at a glance. If you can recogniz... Read more
Apply Straight-From-CPT Guidance for Clean US Claims
Master mediastinum requirement for this chest ultrasound code. The phrase "includes media... Read more
Take 'Bilateral' at Face Value for 64470 or Face CMS Scrutiny
OIG and Medicare both want you to get your modifier 50 ducks in a row. Facet joint inject... Read more
Red Flag:
G0389 May Be a Potential RAC Target
Once-in-a-lifetime services are officially on 2 'approved issues' lists. If you've been s... Read more
Corrections:
Corrections:
• "Tackle 78007 Units for Multiple Days" in Radiology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 6, ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check CCI Edits for 70110/70100 Bundle
Question: Which codes should I report when a surgeon orders (and we perform) a three-view... Read more
Reader Questions:
Post Pain Diagnosis in This Case
Question: When the radiologist can't confirm a wrist fracture in a patient with wrist pai... Read more
Reader Questions:
Benefit From 75960's 'Each Vessel' Rule
Question: If I report 37205 and +37206, may I report 75960-26 twice? New York Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick to 79403 for Zevalin Therapy
Question: When I looked up Zevalin, I found out it's a monoclonal antibody. Does that mea... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Into IVC Doppler Report
Question: I have documentation of limited abdominal vascular imaging (arterial and venous... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide Delayed Imaging's Affect on MRI Codes
Question: How should I report an MRI of the pelvis and abdomen, with and without contrast... Read more
Simplify CVA Coding With This 4-Step Approach
'Central' vs. 'peripheral' vessel know-how defuses 36555-36571 confusion. CPT may have 13... Read more
Seize Rightful CV Access Guidance Pay With 2 Options
Following add-on code requirements is key to +76937, +77001 success. When your radiologis... Read more
News You Can Use:
Keep Hopes High for Coverage of More Cardiac MRI Codes
Plus: ICD-9 has 1 more embolism change up its sleeve. You've got to take the good with th... Read more
Double Ultrasound Codes Could Spell Double Trouble
Authorities will be scrutinizing medical necessity for 76830/76856. +The OIG is watching ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Start This Pre-Op Claim With V72.81
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I report for an extremity and central venogram screenin... Read more
Reader Questions:
MPFS Reveals Truth of 77073 With RT, LT
Question: Should I use modifiers LT and RT to report bilateral 77073 to Medicare? Michiga... Read more
Reader Questions:
'A' Code May Be in Eovist's Future
Question: Which HCPCS code should I use to report Eovist MRI contrast? North Carolina Sub... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stop Worrying About Where to List V70.7
Question: Where can I find Medicare's official rule on using V70.7 on clinical trial clai... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Aim for Accurate TPI Codes
Question: Which CPT code should I report if the radiologist performed six trigger point i... Read more
Capture Additional $2,305 for Bilateral 50593 by Applying Fee Schedule Correction
Even January 2009 claims may benefit from fee schedule changes. CMS is adding some sizzle... Read more
Will NaF-18 PET Bone Imaging Win CMS Coverage?
Keep using G0235 for Medicare patients for now. Medicare currently doesn't cover NaF-18 P... Read more
Save Time by Applying This Global Mod 22 Rule of Thumb
Be sure to give the how and the why when mod 22 lands on your claim. When every penny cou... Read more
Skip 72295 on 62287 Claims, Says CCI
RS&I/guidance codes bear the brunt again. You can count on three certainties in life:... Read more
Reader Questions:
OK if Hospital/Physician E/Ms Don't Match
Question: If the interventional radiologist performs tube or catheter removals in a hospi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Match Sacrum/Coccyx MRI to 72195
Question: How should I code an MRI of the lumbar spine, sacrum, and coccyx without contra... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick to Secondary for Metastatic Tumor
Question: What is the difference between a primary and secondary neoplasm? I'm confused a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Support for Multiple Consults
Question: If we see a patient in our office for a consult six months after we saw her for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Frequency Edit for 93923 Coding
Question: A recent article on noninvasive physiologic studies recommended reporting two u... Read more
Reader Questions:
End Enteroclysis Confusion
Question: I have documentation of an enteroclysis study for a patient with intermittent p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Rate Your Reformatting Skills
Question: My report documents axial CT slices from the orbits to the thoracic inlet and o... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Plan Ahead for Upper, Lower Extremity Embolism Changes
Is 'unspecified' your go-to code? You'll need to check your choices. Lower extremity embo... Read more
Prevent Denials:
Update Your 453.xx Coding for 2010
See ICD-9's embolism coding changes at a glance. NEW: Pulmonary Embolism • 416.2&nbs... Read more
Take a Peek at New Pre-Chemo Ultrasound ICD-9 Possibility
Here's why code changes aren't the whole story. Heads up -- Annual ICD-9 index and n... Read more
News Flash:
CMS Says No to CTC Coverage
Discover which payers will reimburse you for the screening exam. Screening CT colonograph... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
2 Organs: 76700 or 76705?
Question: Our techs say the liver and spleen are in different quadrants, so we should bil... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Link to CPT Errata From AMA Web Site
Question: Where can I find the most current list of AMA CPT manual corrections? Mississip... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Float Through Cryoplasty Balloon Claim
Question: If the radiologist documents "peripheral angioplasty with cryoplasty balloon of... Read more
You Be the Coder :
Do 2 Embolizations = 2 Codes?
Question: May I report embolization of the right bronchial artery for a right lung tumor ... Read more
Confused by CMS's New PET Coverage Policy? We've Got Answers
NOPR stats seal the deal for expanded tumor imaging coverage. If yo... Read more
Prep for July's PI and PS Modifiers
Along with coverage changes, youll have two new modifiers related to oncologic... Read more
Master 'Mutually Exclusive' to Prevent RF/Cryotherapy Mishap
See what the CCI manual says about coding multiple approaches. Codi... Read more
Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing Hand and Wrist Codes
Let this helpful graphic connect the fracture ICD-9/anatomy dots. S... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Aorta Documentation for 75630 vs. 75716
Question: You Be the Coder in Radiology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 6, included... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Prove 77080/77081 Necessity or Else
Question: Our Medicare contractor has been denying 77080 as not paid as separa... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Counting Views, Not Films, Key for Pediatrics
Question: I code the professional component for pediatric radiology. What are ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Hold Local Medicare to NCDs
Question: Are National Coverage Determinations binding on contractors? ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nail Nephrostomy Coding
Question: Which CPT codes should I report for the following services performed... Read more
CCI Update:
Find the Interventional Highlights Among 304,000 New Edits
CCI makes code only 1 dialysis fistula PTA rule official. With the ... Read more
72010 Alert:
Spine X-Ray Codes Swap Columns and Categories
Plus: Discover how limited ultrasound edits help perfect your bladder coding. ... Read more
Part II:
Add ICD-9, HCPCS, Combo Lung Scan to Your Nuclear Toolbox
Discover whats missing from 78584 and 78585, and fill in the blank correctly. ... Read more
Lung Scan Responsibilities:
More Than Meets the Eye
The clinical vignette in the CPT Assistant (March 1999) portraying proper use ... Read more
Spot Lung Scan Documentation Clues With Helpful Chart
Watch for these key lung scan terms -- in addition to the terms used in t... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Confirm Where 82565 Was Performed
Question: Our practice is going to start billing for creatinine tests (82565) ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Keep Additional Test Rules at Your Fingertips
Question: I have the 2001 CMS transmittal that explains when a radiologist may... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Pick Up on Pulmonary Cath Clues
Question: If the radiologist uses the right femoral vein as an access point, a... Read more
You Be the Coder :
Check Dictionary for 'Staghorn' Calculi
Question: The radiologist documented nephrolithiasis with staghorn calculi. Wh... Read more
Part 1:
Solve Your Lung Scan Coding Woes With Real-World Term Tips
Breathe easy: We'll simplify choosing between 78587 and 78594. Reporting pulmonary perfus... Read more
Prevent 'Duplicate' Denials With Modifier 59 and 76 Know- How
Keep 71010 troubles at bay with this helpful time-stamp tip. Reporting more than one ches... Read more
Master Mod 76, Mod 77 by Setting
Keep in mind that this article is aimed at physician coders. For Outpatient Prospective P... Read more
News Flash:
CMS Reveals Virtual Colonoscopy Coverage Outlook
Will 2009 bring 40 million unscreened patients calling for CTCs? Seniors aren't happy w... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Defogram Code Preferences Vary
Question: I'm currently using an unlisted code for a defogram. Is this correct? Wisconsin... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Tackle 78007 Units for Multiple Days
Question: How should I code both days of the following nuclear medicine thyroid imaging/... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify '3D' Before Coding Rotational Angiography
Question: Should I add 76376 or 76377 to angiography codes for 3D rotational angiography?... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Documenting Views Prevents Upcoding Snag
Question: If the radiologist doesn't state the number of views for a hand x-ray, do I nee... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
G-Tube Exam Code Is 1-Stop Shop
Question: Which CPT code should I report when the radiologist injects Gastrografin throug... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Challenge Yourself With IR Case Study
Question: Which CPT codes should I report for the following scenario? Right common femora... Read more
3 Tips Boost Your Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Success
Sidestep common unit mishaps like a pro -- we'll show you how. Breast biopsy coding ... Read more
News You Can Use:
76942 and 78808 on a Single Claim Needs a Second Look
Did you predict CCI's edits for the new nuclear medicine code? 43,006. That's the number ... Read more
Boost Biopsy Coding With NCD Know-How
Medicare's national coverage determination (NCD) for "Percutaneous Image-Guided Breast Bi... Read more
Guidance Type Clinches Biopsy Imaging Code
Stereotactic imaging isn't the only option for breast biopsy (19102, 19103). CPT allows y... Read more
Prevent TCD Denials With AMA-Approved Guidelines
Missing CPT requirements for 93893 can cost you. In 1993, the Office of Inspector General... Read more
Remember Additional Study Requirements
CPT 2009 section notes on "Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies state that vascular s... Read more
Add ACR Indications to Your TCD Tool-Box
The American College of Radiology (ACR) lists indications for TCD in its "ACR Practice Gu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Link Local Anesthetic to 27093
Question: If the radiologist performs hip arthrography and documents using 1 percent lido... Read more
Reader Questions:
Require More Details for CT Coding
Question: How should I report a CT with 100 mL of Omnipaque 300? Utah Subscriber Answer:... Read more
Reader Questions:
Match CSF Study to Proper MR Code
Question: Our office performs CSF flow studies with head MRIs, usually for Chiari malform... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Into Epidurogram Reason
Question: We received a denial for a claim for the following report. Which CPT codes shou... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider Coding UAE Microspheres
Question: May I bill for the microspheres placed into the uterine artery for embolization... Read more
You Be the Coder:
No Pregnancy = No OB Ultrasound?
Question: For an ultrasound, the radiologist documented measurements of the uterus, endom... Read more
Meet These 93922, 93923 Must-Haves or Risk Repaying $186
Following descriptor examples may not be enough to satisfy your payer. Your practice may ... Read more
Don't Miss Your Chance to Code Duplex + ABI Together
But prepare for payers to scrutinize medical necessity. When your radiologist performs an... Read more
Move Over NEMB -- An All New ABN Is Taking Over
Use it wisely: The OIG is watching $400-million-modifier GY. Just in time for CMS' implem... Read more
22526 Service? Pull Out the ABN, Says CMS
A new NCD spells trouble for certain guidance services, too. Stop expecting Medicare to c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try 2 Codes for 2 Chest Views With Ribs
Question: If the radiologist performs a rib series and a PA/LAT chest x-ray, how should I... Read more
Reader Questions:
Sidestep Artery and Vein MRA Mistake
Question: If the radiologist performs MRA of both the arteries and veins, may I report tw... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid AQ if You're in Automated File
Question: I'm confused about whether to apply modifier AQ on my claims. If our ZIP code i... Read more
Reader Questions:
SPECT Changes Your Parathyroid Coding
Question: If we perform SPECT imaging with planar images for parathyroid imaging, which c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Or' Adds Uncertainty to Diagnosis
Question: The radiologist's impression states "superimposed atelectasis or infiltrate." S... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Best Fluid Collection Option
Question: The radiologist documented an ultrasound-guided aspiration of right upper quadr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Handle Hip Coding With Ease
Question: How should I code the following hip report? New Jersey Subscriber History: Hip ... Read more
HCPCS Update:
Master 3 Key Changes Before Reporting 2009 PET or Stress Tests
You win some, lose some in eliminating 'per study dose' frustration.When your practice is ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Radiologists Hanging Out in the Hospital More? Here's Why
CMS clarification shakes up outpatient physician supervision.The 2009 Outpatient Prospecti... Read more
Interventional:
Master GI-Tube Coding With 3 Real Cases
Report components inappropriately, and you could face a $294 payback.You've had nearly a y... Read more
Mix and Match Provider Info for These Mammo Claims
If you have an out-of-jurisdiction purchased exam, CMS has news for you.Add one more item ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Confuse Meaning of 'Delayed Images'
Question: If the radiologist documents "IV bolus study of the abdomen and pelvis with dela... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Details Before Coding Brain PET
Question: Which CPT code is appropriate for PET performed to evaluate the brain? Califo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for L5-S1 'Per Region' Pitfall
Question: How should I report fluoroscopic guidance at the L5-S1 level?Alabama SubscriberA... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Cath Repositioning for Aortogram
Question: My interventional radiologist performed an abdominal aortogram with iliofemoral ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Guidance Denials? Check MUEs
Question: How many guidance codes may I use per encounter? For example, if the patient has... Read more
Reader Questions:
Flip to 49021 for Abscess Drainage
Question: How should I code the following report?Clinical Indication: Abscess formation in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Assume Implant = Diagnostic Mammogram
Question: My radiologists want to bill a diagnostic mammogram for a screening because the ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take the Cystogram Challenge
Question: The radiologist performed a limited cystogram for a patient status post prostate... Read more
Fix Your Sights on 5 Can't-Miss CPT 2009 Changes
Be sure you catch the reportable codes that you won't find in your manual.Don't let your g... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Miss Angioplasty With 36870
Question: May I report vascular angioplasty separately from 36870? Connecticut Subscri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 78588 Code for Lung Scan
Question: Which codes are appropriate if the radiologist performs both aerosol ventilation... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Switch Codes for Vein MRA
Question: Which codes should I report for magnetic resonance venography of the brain?Idaho... Read more
Reader Questions:
Vessel or Device Matters for Thrombolysis
Question: Should I code the following report for a patient with a poorly functioning perma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick to 1 Unit of 73218 in This Case
Question: May I report two units of 73218 for the left humerus and the left forearm?Vermon... Read more
Reader Questions:
Comparison View Changes 73560 Coding
Question: How should I report frontal weight bearing views of both knees and a lateral vie... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find the Flank Ultrasound Answer
Question: How should I code an ultrasound of the right flank soft tissues? The patient had... Read more
Boost Your IR Coding With This Brachiocephalic Breakdown
See if you can pick out which vessels were simply 'on the way' and which merit codingIn yo... Read more
3 CCI Changes to Keep Your Eye On
Confused about moderate sedation? CCI Edits offers some answers Along with a much-anti... Read more
Bulletproof Your Coding:
Ace Selective Vs. Nonselective
Don't miss how appendix L can help make your claims cleanerCPT and the AMA offer cut and d... Read more
News You Can Use:
Start Prepping for More Specific ICD-10 Today
Implementation may be just around the cornerIf you think keeping up with the new 2009 ICD-... Read more
Reader Questions:
Guidance Type Matters for Clip Confirmation
Question: If the radiologist performs a breast biopsy (19103) with clip placement and uses... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tackle 72020, 72050 Bundle
Question: If the patient has a cross-table C-spine (72020), the radiologist clears the cro... Read more
Reader Questions:
PET Coverage Takes a Hit
Question: CPT 2008 removed the phrase "tumor imaging" from PET codes 78811-78816. Has Medi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Catch CMS' DXA Coverage Rules
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I report for a 64-year-old female patient with a history... Read more
Reader Questions:
Separate Lumbar Plexus From Lumbar
Question: Which code should I report for MRI lumbar plexus?Texas SubscriberAnswer: Your be... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Reason for AAA Ultrasound
Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for an ultrasound of the aorta to detect an abd... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Radiologist's Role in HSG
Question: How should I code a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) performed with obstetrics and gyne... Read more
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