Radiology Coding Alert

Do you recall the additions and revisions to the CPT^® code set?

Staying up to date with the annual changes in codes, guidelines, and policies can be tough for radiology coders. Luckily, there weren’t too many radiology coding updates for the 2023 CPT^® code set.

Did you pay attention to the important changes so you’re ready to hit the ground running in 2023? Put your knowledge to the test with this coding quiz!

Question 1: A patient is referred to your radiology practice for an ultrasound of the ulnar nerve throughout their left arm. The patient complains they experience tingling in their F3 and F4 digits when tightly grasping objects, such as bicycle handlebars. The radiologist performs an ultrasound examination of the patient’s left ulnar nerve throughout the entire length of the limb.

What code(s) will you assign to report the ultrasound of the patient’s left arm?

Question 2: A patient arrived at your radiology clinic for a limited ultrasound of their right knee. The patient twisted their knee while playing basketball a few days earlier and has experienced pain in the area since the injury occurred. The patient’s primary care physician (PCP) ordered the ultrasound to check for damage to the joint.

What code(s) will you assign to report the limited ultrasound of the patient’s knee joint?

Question 3: On Jan. 1, 2023, CPT^® revised the descriptors for certain tumor localization codes.

What codes were revised, and what word or words were added to the code descriptors?

Think you know the answers? Turn to page 5 to check the answers.