Radiology Coding Alert

Anatomy:

150.x-156.x Match to Gastrointestinal Anatomy Sites

Published on Tue May 03, 2011

Stay alert for most appropriate code for 'overlapping sites.'

If you have trouble distinguishing the cecum from the sigmoid colon or the duodenum from the descending colon, take a moment to review the graphic below.

To see how anatomy can compare to your coding options, check the table, which offers a sampling of codes related to primary neoplasm diagnoses.

Caution: When choosing codes for your claims, always look at both the ICD-9 index and the tabular list to be sure you have the most appropriate code. This precaution is especially important when documentation indicates neoplasms of contiguous or overlapping sites. Notes in the tabular list will often instruct you to use an "other specified sites" code ending in .8 for these cases.

For example, ICD-9 offers 151.8 (Malignant neoplasm of stomach; other specified sites of stomach) with the note: "Malignant neoplasm of contiguous or overlapping sites of stomach whose point of origin cannot be determined."

Radiology Coding Alert

Atherectomy:
0234T-0238T Offer Chance to Capture Cath Reimbursement
Don't confuse the rules for these codes with those for 37220-+37235.You may have mastered the [...]

ICD-10:
820.03 Counterpart Demonstrates ICD-10's Colossal Documentation Requirements
Right or left, initial or subsequent, displaced or nondisplaced -- gather it all for new [...]

Increased Services:
Modifier 22: Beware 3 Myths of This Often Misused Modifier
Making assumptions can get you in trouble or cause you to lose rightful extra pay.If [...]

Anatomy:
150.x-156.x Match to Gastrointestinal Anatomy Sites
Stay alert for most appropriate code for 'overlapping sites.'If you have trouble distinguishing the cecum [...]

You Be the Coder:
Apply Coding Skills to Barium Enema Case
Question:The radiologist performed barium enema for a 4-year-old male patient with a history of encopresis [...]

Reader Questions:
Modifier AI Has Typo in AMA CPT® Manual
Question:The inside cover of my CPT® manual shows modifier A1 (letter A, number 1) for [...]

Reader Questions:
73600-52 Describes 1-View Ankle
Question:Documentation shows AP view of one ankle. May I report 73600 for this one view?Codify [...]

Reader Questions:
76856 Needs Modifier 59 With 93975
Question:May we bill 76856 together with 93975 using modifier 59?Codify MemberAnswer:Yes, you may report the [...]

Reader Questions:
71100 Is Possibility for This Rib Scan
Question: A woman who fell on her unprotected side reports to the ED. The ED [...]

View All