Radiology Coding Alert

Coding Quiz Answers:

Get the Answers to Our X-ray Coding Quiz

Published on Wed Jul 24, 2024

Find out what a complete clavicle X-ray includes.

Did you thoroughly examine the X-ray coding questions earlier in this issue?

Check your answers against those below for the questions presented on page 3.

Understand Your Unilateral Rib X-ray Code Options

Answer 1: You’ll assign 71101 (Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; including posteroanterior chest, minimum of 3 views) to report the three-view X-rays captured on one side of the patient’s body. This code requires at least three views, including a PA chest view, for you to correctly report the procedure. You may also need to append modifier LT (Left side) to indicate which side of the body the radiologist captured the X-rays, since the descriptor indicates the code applies to only one side of the body. Of course, your best bet is to check you individual payer’s preferences to ensure proper reporting.

However, if the radiologist captures less than the required number of views, you’ll need to change your code choice or append another modifier. For example, if the provider captures only two views on the left side, you’ll opt for 71100 (Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; 2 views). But what should you do in the event the provider only captures one rib X-ray view? “If less than two views were taken, modifier 52 (Reduced services) should be appended to 71100,” says Chelsea Kemp, RHIA, CCS, COC, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CCC, CEDC, CGIC, AAPC Approved Instructor, outpatient coding educator/auditor at Yale New Haven Health in New Haven, Connecticut.

Learn What Counts for a Complete X-ray

Answer 2: You’ll assign 73000 (Radiologic examination; clavicle, complete) and 73010 (Radiologic examination; scapula, complete) to report this encounter. A complete clavicle, also known as the collarbone, X-ray examination includes AP and oblique views, while a complete scapula, better known as the shoulder blade, X-ray exam includes AP and lateral views. Make sure the views are documented in the radiology report, and ensure the images are permanently recorded in the record, per CPT^® guidelines.

The complete scapula and clavicle X-rays are performed to check for fractures or other conditions, like bone spurs, tumors, congenital abnormalities, or arthritis.

Remember to Check for Combination Codes

Answer 3: For the third scenario presented, you’ll assign 74022 (Radiologic examination, complete acute abdomen series, including 2 or more views of the abdomen (eg, supine, erect, decubitus), and a single view chest) to report the chest and abdominal X-rays. Code 74022 is a combination code that covers multiple abdominal views and a single chest X-ray view.

Some coders may be tempted to assign two codes, such as 71045 (Radiologic examination, chest; single view) and 74019 (Radiologic examination, abdomen; 2 views), but this option is incorrect.

“While 74019 does encompass the two-view abdomen X-rays, 74022 would be the most appropriate, most specific code to use for this scenario because it encompasses both the single-view chest X-ray and two-view abdomen X-rays,” says Taylor Berrena, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CEMC, CFPC, CHONC, coder III at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper in Yorktown, Virginia. Since a single code option exists that encompasses both X-ray studies, reporting the procedures with two separate codes is the incorrect option.