Radiology Coding Alert
CPT® Coding:
Take this CPT® Assistant Advice, Code Facet Joint, Epidural Injection Services with Ease
Consider factors such as site, level, and use of imaging when determining code. In Volume... Read more
Take this CPT® Assistant Advice, Code Facet Joint, Epidural Injection Services with Ease
Consider factors such as site, level, and use of imaging when determining code. In Volume... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Don't Worry About Miscoding This Parenthetical Note Conundrum Ever Again
Use this Q&A from the Coding Clinic as your guiding resource. This month, you'll tack... Read more
Don't Worry About Miscoding This Parenthetical Note Conundrum Ever Again
Use this Q&A from the Coding Clinic as your guiding resource. This month, you'll tack... Read more
ICD-10-CM Guidelines:
Prep Now for These Crucial Additions and Changes to the Sepsis ICD-10-CM Guidelines
Consider this assortment of new and revised rule changes, sure to affect your radiology pr... Read more
Prep Now for These Crucial Additions and Changes to the Sepsis ICD-10-CM Guidelines
Consider this assortment of new and revised rule changes, sure to affect your radiology pr... Read more
Reader Question:
Use ICD-10 Coding Notes in the Appropriate Context
Question: At the beginning of the J section in the ICD10-CM manual, there is a note to cod... Read more
Use ICD-10 Coding Notes in the Appropriate Context
Question: At the beginning of the J section in the ICD10-CM manual, there is a note to cod... Read more
Reader Question:
Note Physician Requirements for 38792 Reporting
Question: If the provider performs a 38792 by the nuclear medicine technologist, and then ... Read more
Note Physician Requirements for 38792 Reporting
Question: If the provider performs a 38792 by the nuclear medicine technologist, and then ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Report 75809 Without Documentation of Contrast
Question: Which code would you use for a “shunt series” ranging from two to five views... Read more
Don't Report 75809 Without Documentation of Contrast
Question: Which code would you use for a “shunt series” ranging from two to five views... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Combo Dx Before Reporting Influenza, Condition Separately
Question: A computed tomography (CT) scan is performed on a patient with a chronic middle ... Read more
Try Combo Dx Before Reporting Influenza, Condition Separately
Question: A computed tomography (CT) scan is performed on a patient with a chronic middle ... Read more
CPT® 2019:
Prep For This New Wave of 2019 Radiological CPT® Changes
Acclimate yourself to these all-encompassing 2019 CPT changes. If you've got a few years ... Read more
Prep For This New Wave of 2019 Radiological CPT® Changes
Acclimate yourself to these all-encompassing 2019 CPT changes. If you've got a few years ... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Conquer Transforaminal Injections, Paravertebral Blocks With This Guide
Use this CPT® Assistant article as your guiding reference. If the process of coding pain... Read more
Conquer Transforaminal Injections, Paravertebral Blocks With This Guide
Use this CPT® Assistant article as your guiding reference. If the process of coding pain... Read more
ICD-10-CM Guidelines:
Use This Instructional Guide to Maneuver Your Way Through Fx Diagnoses
Aggregate all your chapter-specific fracture coding guidelines into one place. Most veter... Read more
Use This Instructional Guide to Maneuver Your Way Through Fx Diagnoses
Aggregate all your chapter-specific fracture coding guidelines into one place. Most veter... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Worry About Frequency if Patient is Documented Smoker
Question: On a chest X-ray, the indication notes an intermittent smoker, but used to be a ... Read more
Don't Worry About Frequency if Patient is Documented Smoker
Question: On a chest X-ray, the indication notes an intermittent smoker, but used to be a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Note What Guidelines Do, Do Not Exist for G0297 Provider Attestation Requirements
Question: I'm looking for some authoritative guidelines pertaining to the proper reporting... Read more
Note What Guidelines Do, Do Not Exist for G0297 Provider Attestation Requirements
Question: I'm looking for some authoritative guidelines pertaining to the proper reporting... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Parenthetical Notes to Confirm Inclusion of Axilla US Imaging
Question: The radiologist documents a complete ultrasound (US) of the breast including all... Read more
Use Parenthetical Notes to Confirm Inclusion of Axilla US Imaging
Question: The radiologist documents a complete ultrasound (US) of the breast including all... Read more
2019 ICD-10:
Dive Into This New Round of 2019 ICD-10-CM Additions and Revisions
Get the hang of all the new ICD-10-CM changes now, just in time for October. ICD-10-CM ha... Read more
Dive Into This New Round of 2019 ICD-10-CM Additions and Revisions
Get the hang of all the new ICD-10-CM changes now, just in time for October. ICD-10-CM ha... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Wrap Your Head Around This Complex Set of Perinatal Coding Guidelines
Use these examples to gain a clearer picture of a nuanced set of rules and restrictions. ... Read more
Wrap Your Head Around This Complex Set of Perinatal Coding Guidelines
Use these examples to gain a clearer picture of a nuanced set of rules and restrictions. ... Read more
Consider These Pointers for Aspiration, Arthrocentesis, and Injection Services
Utilize your knowledge of anatomy to make the most calculated coding decisions. There's a... Read more
Utilize your knowledge of anatomy to make the most calculated coding decisions. There's a... Read more
Reader Question:
Clear Up Your Unstageable, Unspecified Pressure Ulcer Coding
Question: What's the difference between an unstageable pressure ulcer and a pressure ulcer... Read more
Clear Up Your Unstageable, Unspecified Pressure Ulcer Coding
Question: What's the difference between an unstageable pressure ulcer and a pressure ulcer... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Query Provider on Typographical Dictation Errors
Question: On limited breast ultrasound (US), if report states “US images of left breast,... Read more
Know When to Query Provider on Typographical Dictation Errors
Question: On limited breast ultrasound (US), if report states “US images of left breast,... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Confirm Number of Views When Reporting Complete Scoliosis Series
Question: If the title of the report states “complete scoliosis series including supine ... Read more
Confirm Number of Views When Reporting Complete Scoliosis Series
Question: If the title of the report states “complete scoliosis series including supine ... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Case Studies: Know When to Combine Views, Contrast Using These Examples
In last month's article “Decide When to Bundle, Combine Imaging Codes Using this Guide,... Read more
Case Studies: Know When to Combine Views, Contrast Using These Examples
In last month's article “Decide When to Bundle, Combine Imaging Codes Using this Guide,... Read more
Compliance:
Stay on Top of LDCT Cancer Screening Criteria With This Comprehensive Guide
Make sure patients meet all required criteria to avoid any unnecessary denials. Making su... Read more
Stay on Top of LDCT Cancer Screening Criteria With This Comprehensive Guide
Make sure patients meet all required criteria to avoid any unnecessary denials. Making su... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Bust these 4 Common Myths on Heart Failure Diagnosis Coding
Combine your knowledge of anatomy, Dx coding to avoid these pitfalls. The sheer number of... Read more
Bust these 4 Common Myths on Heart Failure Diagnosis Coding
Combine your knowledge of anatomy, Dx coding to avoid these pitfalls. The sheer number of... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Additional B Code for Peritonsillar Abscess due to Strep Throat
Question: How do I code a patient with strep throat, tonsillitis, and a peritonsillar absc... Read more
Use Additional B Code for Peritonsillar Abscess due to Strep Throat
Question: How do I code a patient with strep throat, tonsillitis, and a peritonsillar absc... Read more
Reader Question:
Use M43 Code Set to Report Congenital Spinal Fusion
Question: I've come across a report that states that the L5-S1 spine has fused together. I... Read more
Use M43 Code Set to Report Congenital Spinal Fusion
Question: I've come across a report that states that the L5-S1 spine has fused together. I... Read more
Reader Question:
Use ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Mono/Hemiplegia Without Dominance Designation
Question: Should I code a patient with monoplegia of the left arm as G83.22 or G83.20? Fl... Read more
Use ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Mono/Hemiplegia Without Dominance Designation
Question: Should I code a patient with monoplegia of the left arm as G83.22 or G83.20? Fl... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Differentiate Between Fluoro-Guided, Radiographic Myelography Codes
Question: A patient had a fluoroscopic-guided lumbosacral myelogram. In the report, it doc... Read more
Differentiate Between Fluoro-Guided, Radiographic Myelography Codes
Question: A patient had a fluoroscopic-guided lumbosacral myelogram. In the report, it doc... Read more
2019 ICD-10-CM:
Start Prep Now for these New and Revised Radiological ICD-10-CM Codes
Employ these crucial codes into your radiology coding repertoire in time for 2019. Stayin... Read more
Start Prep Now for these New and Revised Radiological ICD-10-CM Codes
Employ these crucial codes into your radiology coding repertoire in time for 2019. Stayin... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Decide When to Bundle, Combine Imaging Codes Using this Guide
Use CCI edits and modifier status to help streamline payments and prevent denials. There ... Read more
Decide When to Bundle, Combine Imaging Codes Using this Guide
Use CCI edits and modifier status to help streamline payments and prevent denials. There ... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Can You Code this Tricky Cartilaginous Disease of the Knee Diagnosis?
Put on your thinking cap and work your way through this challenging example. If you code ... Read more
Can You Code this Tricky Cartilaginous Disease of the Knee Diagnosis?
Put on your thinking cap and work your way through this challenging example. If you code ... Read more
Reader Question:
Adhere to Current ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Functional Quadriplegia Code
Question: The indication states that the patient is unable to move his upper limbs, but th... Read more
Adhere to Current ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Functional Quadriplegia Code
Question: The indication states that the patient is unable to move his upper limbs, but th... Read more
Reader Question:
Use M43 Code Set to Report Congenital Spinal Fusion
Question: I've come across a report that states that the L5-S1 spine has fused together. I... Read more
Use M43 Code Set to Report Congenital Spinal Fusion
Question: I've come across a report that states that the L5-S1 spine has fused together. I... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code as Complete Retroperitoneal US Via One of Two Methods
Question: I am having trouble deciding between 76770 and 76775 on a report I am reading. T... Read more
Code as Complete Retroperitoneal US Via One of Two Methods
Question: I am having trouble deciding between 76770 and 76775 on a report I am reading. T... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Watch Out for Denials on Same-Day Screening, Diagnostic Mammograms
Incorporate payer-specific submission rules into your practice guidelines. Reports of var... Read more
Watch Out for Denials on Same-Day Screening, Diagnostic Mammograms
Incorporate payer-specific submission rules into your practice guidelines. Reports of var... Read more
2019 CPT® Changes:
Make Way 2019 Anticipated Radiology Code Changes
Look out for these important revisions, deletions, and bundling mandates. As is the annua... Read more
Make Way 2019 Anticipated Radiology Code Changes
Look out for these important revisions, deletions, and bundling mandates. As is the annua... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Coding Clinic: Code this Posttraumatic Lipohemarthrosis of the Knee Example
Sometimes, the index yields surprising results. Every once in a while, you come across a ... Read more
Coding Clinic: Code this Posttraumatic Lipohemarthrosis of the Knee Example
Sometimes, the index yields surprising results. Every once in a while, you come across a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember to Code Separately for PICC, Fluoroscopy Codes
Question: How do I code for a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) line pl... Read more
Remember to Code Separately for PICC, Fluoroscopy Codes
Question: How do I code for a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) line pl... Read more
Reader Question:
Think Twice Before Coding Allergic Vasomotor Rhinitis
Question: How do I code a diagnosis of allergic vasomotor rhinitis? It seems like there's ... Read more
Think Twice Before Coding Allergic Vasomotor Rhinitis
Question: How do I code a diagnosis of allergic vasomotor rhinitis? It seems like there's ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use these Tips to Discern Between Correct OM Codes
Question: Often, for ear infections, our radiologist will only document “OM, left ear”... Read more
Use these Tips to Discern Between Correct OM Codes
Question: Often, for ear infections, our radiologist will only document “OM, left ear”... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Assign Fracture Dx to Relevant Imaging Code, Only
Question: We have a patient who underwent a 3-view ankle X-ray for a left, displaced later... Read more
Assign Fracture Dx to Relevant Imaging Code, Only
Question: We have a patient who underwent a 3-view ankle X-ray for a left, displaced later... Read more
Dictation Reports:
Clinical Scenarios: Know what to Omit from the Impression
Wrap your head around incidental findings with this guide. In regards to most medical spe... Read more
Clinical Scenarios: Know what to Omit from the Impression
Wrap your head around incidental findings with this guide. In regards to most medical spe... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Refine Your Fx Coding Using These 2 Guidelines
Plus: What to do when the guidelines steer you toward a non-payable code. When it comes t... Read more
Refine Your Fx Coding Using These 2 Guidelines
Plus: What to do when the guidelines steer you toward a non-payable code. When it comes t... Read more
E/M Coding:
Use this Definitive IR Guide on Time-Based E/M Encounters
Survey the visit, documentation to make the correct determination. One of the primary "pe... Read more
Use this Definitive IR Guide on Time-Based E/M Encounters
Survey the visit, documentation to make the correct determination. One of the primary "pe... Read more
Reader Question:
Refer to ACR Guidelines on Supplemental Interpretation Billing
Question: The provider performs a supplemental reading of a computed tomographic angiograp... Read more
Refer to ACR Guidelines on Supplemental Interpretation Billing
Question: The provider performs a supplemental reading of a computed tomographic angiograp... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider Insufficiency, Stress Fractures as Interchangeable Terms
Question: How do you code insufficiency fractures? California Subscriber Answer: This ca... Read more
Consider Insufficiency, Stress Fractures as Interchangeable Terms
Question: How do you code insufficiency fractures? California Subscriber Answer: This ca... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Discretion, Provider Input when Determining HIV-Related Symptoms
Question: The physician saw an HIV-positive patient for treatment of numerous chronic mout... Read more
Use Discretion, Provider Input when Determining HIV-Related Symptoms
Question: The physician saw an HIV-positive patient for treatment of numerous chronic mout... Read more
NCCI Edits:
Avoid these Common Radiological NCCI Missteps
Sometimes, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits don't tell the whole story. The... Read more
Avoid these Common Radiological NCCI Missteps
Sometimes, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits don't tell the whole story. The... Read more
Compliance:
Zone in on these Diagnostic Imaging Order Form Guidelines
Plus, know when and how the interpreting provider can self-order. The rules surrounding h... Read more
Zone in on these Diagnostic Imaging Order Form Guidelines
Plus, know when and how the interpreting provider can self-order. The rules surrounding h... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Rely on these Diagnostic Factors for Accurate Sequela Coding
As a radiology coder, you will encounter instances in which a prior injury, illness, or di... Read more
Rely on these Diagnostic Factors for Accurate Sequela Coding
As a radiology coder, you will encounter instances in which a prior injury, illness, or di... Read more
Reader Question:
Confirm 76700 Meets Full Anatomical Criteria Guidelines
Question: The provider performs a complete abdominal ultrasound on a patient with chronic ... Read more
Confirm 76700 Meets Full Anatomical Criteria Guidelines
Question: The provider performs a complete abdominal ultrasound on a patient with chronic ... Read more
Reader Question:
Navigate the ICD-10-CM Index for TBI Coding
Question: What are the rules surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) coding? I can't figu... Read more
Navigate the ICD-10-CM Index for TBI Coding
Question: What are the rules surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) coding? I can't figu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Refer to ICD-10-CM Guidelines for S&S Coding
Question: We have a patient with diagnoses of chronic frontal sinusitis with ocular and bi... Read more
Refer to ICD-10-CM Guidelines for S&S Coding
Question: We have a patient with diagnoses of chronic frontal sinusitis with ocular and bi... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Use your Instincts, Know When to Return Dx to Sender
Take a look at these two P code examples to maximize your ICD-10 coding skills. Coders ar... Read more
Use your Instincts, Know When to Return Dx to Sender
Take a look at these two P code examples to maximize your ICD-10 coding skills. Coders ar... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Get the Hang of 3D Reconstruction Coding with this Guide
Know exactly what to look for in your provider's dictation reports. Sometimes, a referrin... Read more
Get the Hang of 3D Reconstruction Coding with this Guide
Know exactly what to look for in your provider's dictation reports. Sometimes, a referrin... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Wrangle in your Hypertension Coding Skills with These Tips
Let this guide help refine your sequencing, secondary Dx knowledge. Eleven different type... Read more
Wrangle in your Hypertension Coding Skills with These Tips
Let this guide help refine your sequencing, secondary Dx knowledge. Eleven different type... Read more
Reader Question:
Leave Order Addendums Up to the Radiologist, Referring Physician
Question: The X-ray tech gets an order for a chest X-ray for two views, however when the p... Read more
Leave Order Addendums Up to the Radiologist, Referring Physician
Question: The X-ray tech gets an order for a chest X-ray for two views, however when the p... Read more
Reader Question:
Think Twice Before Coupling 73706 with 75635
Question: The provider performed a computed tomographic angiography (CTA) abdominal aorta ... Read more
Think Twice Before Coupling 73706 with 75635
Question: The provider performed a computed tomographic angiography (CTA) abdominal aorta ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know NCCI Guidelines for Same Day Screening, Diagnostic Mammograms
Question: I have conflicting information on how to report a bilateral screening and diagno... Read more
Know NCCI Guidelines for Same Day Screening, Diagnostic Mammograms
Question: I have conflicting information on how to report a bilateral screening and diagno... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Coding Quiz: I.D and Code These Auditory Diseases
Hint: Nonessential modifiers are essential to your success. When coding diagnoses for an ... Read more
Coding Quiz: I.D and Code These Auditory Diseases
Hint: Nonessential modifiers are essential to your success. When coding diagnoses for an ... Read more
Modifiers:
Refine Your XS, XP Modifier Skills Using These Scenarios
Plus: Rely on modifier XS over 76 in when the situation calls for it. In Radiology Coding... Read more
Refine Your XS, XP Modifier Skills Using These Scenarios
Plus: Rely on modifier XS over 76 in when the situation calls for it. In Radiology Coding... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Work Out Combination, Complication Dxs with These 2 Examples
Remember to check ICD-10-CM guidelines, even for obscure cases. Diagnosis: Postoperative ... Read more
Work Out Combination, Complication Dxs with These 2 Examples
Remember to check ICD-10-CM guidelines, even for obscure cases. Diagnosis: Postoperative ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use NPI as Indicator for Medicare Part A, Part B Claims
Question: A Medicare patient has been admitted to the hospital for three days and underwen... Read more
Use NPI as Indicator for Medicare Part A, Part B Claims
Question: A Medicare patient has been admitted to the hospital for three days and underwen... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Consider Unbundling Modifier for Elbow, Shoulder Aspiration Codes
Question: Our provider performed an aspiration of the right shoulder and left elbow. Ultra... Read more
Don't Consider Unbundling Modifier for Elbow, Shoulder Aspiration Codes
Question: Our provider performed an aspiration of the right shoulder and left elbow. Ultra... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Single Code for Aspiration, Injection of Same Joint
Question: How do I code a scenario in which the provider performs a knee aspiration and th... Read more
Use Single Code for Aspiration, Injection of Same Joint
Question: How do I code a scenario in which the provider performs a knee aspiration and th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check LCD, Payer Reimbursement Policies when Appealing Medical Necessity Denial
Question: We have a patient who presents for a maxillofacial computerized tomography (CT) ... Read more
Check LCD, Payer Reimbursement Policies when Appealing Medical Necessity Denial
Question: We have a patient who presents for a maxillofacial computerized tomography (CT) ... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Cite Indication, Impression when Coding Shoulder Pathologies
Consider these various factors when coding disorders of the shoulder joint. Most seasoned... Read more
Cite Indication, Impression when Coding Shoulder Pathologies
Consider these various factors when coding disorders of the shoulder joint. Most seasoned... Read more
Case Study:
Can you Correctly Code this MRI of the Foot?
Rely on your comprehensive set of skills to work out this real-world scenario. Exam: MRI ... Read more
Can you Correctly Code this MRI of the Foot?
Rely on your comprehensive set of skills to work out this real-world scenario. Exam: MRI ... Read more
Modifiers:
Hash Out the Nuances of X{EPSU} Modifiers Using these 2 Examples
Apply these measures, confidently code X{EPSU} in their respective scenarios. Despite the... Read more
Hash Out the Nuances of X{EPSU} Modifiers Using these 2 Examples
Apply these measures, confidently code X{EPSU} in their respective scenarios. Despite the... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand Differences Between Unspecified, Uncertain Behavior
Question: A patient presents with a tumor of the sphenoid sinus. The physician biopsies th... Read more
Understand Differences Between Unspecified, Uncertain Behavior
Question: A patient presents with a tumor of the sphenoid sinus. The physician biopsies th... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Underlying Condition as Principal Dx
Question: A patient presents for a visit two months following a vertebroplasty procedure f... Read more
Code Underlying Condition as Principal Dx
Question: A patient presents for a visit two months following a vertebroplasty procedure f... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Nature of Adverse Effect First
Question: A patient had a computerized tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis without contrast. Th... Read more
Code Nature of Adverse Effect First
Question: A patient had a computerized tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis without contrast. Th... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Put Your ICD-10 Skills to the Test with these Tricky Scenarios
Let the ICD-10 guidelines lead you to success when the going gets tough. No coder is expe... Read more
Put Your ICD-10 Skills to the Test with these Tricky Scenarios
Let the ICD-10 guidelines lead you to success when the going gets tough. No coder is expe... Read more
NCCI Edits:
I.D. Proper Use of NCCI Sequential Procedures Policy
Consider these Medicare rules for sequential IR procedures. Those with a firm grasp on th... Read more
I.D. Proper Use of NCCI Sequential Procedures Policy
Consider these Medicare rules for sequential IR procedures. Those with a firm grasp on th... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Combine 2 Codes Under these Circumstances
Know when the rules call for ditching modifiers and fusing two codes into one. Last month... Read more
Combine 2 Codes Under these Circumstances
Know when the rules call for ditching modifiers and fusing two codes into one. Last month... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Appropriate Documentation, Justification with Modifier 22
Question: We submitted a claim with modifier 22 because the physician spent an extra 50 mi... Read more
Include Appropriate Documentation, Justification with Modifier 22
Question: We submitted a claim with modifier 22 because the physician spent an extra 50 mi... Read more
Reader Question:
Check LCD, Payer Preference when Appealing Medical Necessity Denial
Question: We have a patient who presents for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of th... Read more
Check LCD, Payer Preference when Appealing Medical Necessity Denial
Question: We have a patient who presents for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Focus on Transport Code, Modifiers for Portable Imaging
Question: How do I report a two-view chest X-ray performed by a physician using a mobile r... Read more
Focus on Transport Code, Modifiers for Portable Imaging
Question: How do I report a two-view chest X-ray performed by a physician using a mobile r... Read more