Radiology Coding Alert
Advance Your Essential Diagnosis Coding Know-How
You can bank on these coding basics every time you get a new report.
1. When diagnostic test results are positive, code the results to the highest level of specificity, says Terry Leone, CPC, CIC, CMBS, radiology coding specialist with Catamount Associates in New York, member of the American Academy of Professional Coders National Advisory Board, and presenter of "Radiology '101' for the New Coder: Basic Coding Rules" at the Academy's national conference.
Example: An x-ray reveals that a patient has a closed fracture of the shaft of the tibia and fibula. Instead of reporting ICD-9 823.82 (Fracture of tibia and fibula; unspecified part, closed; fibula with tibia), you should report ICD-9 823.22 (Fracture of tibia and fibula; shaft, closed; fibula with tibia).
2. When a study comes back normal or negative, choose a diagnosis code that describes the patient's clinical signs and symptoms, Leone says.
If the patient has a previous history of some intracranial abnormality that contributes to ordering the test, you may code that, as well.
Example: Your physician documents that a patient with a personal history of a malignant brain neoplasm has an MRI to determine the reason for his constant headaches. The test offers no conclusive results.
In this case, you may report 784.0 (Headache) and personal history code V10.85 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of other sites; brain).
3. Track the diagnosis codes that your payers consider appropriate and will cover for each diagnostic test.
But you should never choose codes based on coverage--be sure your documentation backs up your coding choice, Leone says.
Radiology Coding Alert
- 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 both
If you're still [...] - Get Paid for Tests With Normal Results--Here's How
Connect this symptom code to your procedure to earn payment
When tests come back without a [...] - Advance Your Essential Diagnosis Coding Know-How
Hint: Consider personal history codes when results are inconclusive
You can bank on these coding basics [...] - ICD-9 Update:
Be the First to Know Next Year's Codes
Prepare to start using this new code for altered mental status
Get ahead of the ICD-9 [...] - 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 know
CMS [...] - Interventional Procedure Report:
Pass the PCNL Coding Test
See if you'd capture all the payment your practice deserves
Coding interventional procedures may be less [...] - You Be the Coder:
Compare Contrast Rules
Question: What code should I use when the techs do a CT scan of the [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Reap Radiofrequency and MRI Guidance Payment
Question: Our radiologist performed a percutaneous radiofrequency renal ablation in the hospital on the patient's [...] - 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, [...] - 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 [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Master Medicare Supervision Levels
Question: Would you explain the "physician supervision of diagnostic services" section of Medicare's Fee [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Read Up on 3D Reconstruction
Question: For CPT 76376 and CPT 76377 , does the radiologist have [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Jot Down These Jurisdiction Resources
Question: Is there any guidance on whether to report HCPCS Codes to [...]
