Radiology Coding Alert

Radiology coders need to be aware of when it’s appropriate to append modifiers 26 (Professional component) and TC (Technical component …) to imaging codes. If you’re reporting imaging services incorrectly, you could be leaving money on the table or could face a denial.

That’s why we designed this coding quiz to put your modifier knowledge to the test!

Question 1: A 58-year-old patient visited their primary care physician (PCP) with complaints of shortness of breath and chest pain. The PCP referred the patient to an outpatient imaging center for chest X-rays. The radiologist captures anteroposterior (AP) and lateral chest X-rays and submits them back to the patient’s PCP for interpretation.

What CPT^® code(s) and modifier(s) will you assign for the radiologist’s work?

Question 2: A 65-year-old patient visits their PCP with complaints of persistent lower back pain. The physician orders a lumbar spine X-ray, which will be performed at a nearby hospital. The hospital’s radiology department captures AP, lateral, and bending X-ray views and the radiologist who performed the imaging interprets the results and generates a report.

What CPT^® code(s) and modifier(s) will you assign for the radiologist’s portion of the procedure?

Question 3: A 35-year-old patient visits an orthopedic clinic with complaints of shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Following a physical examination, the orthopedist orders a complete X-ray exam of the patient’s scapula to be performed at the clinic. The radiologist at the clinic captures AP, lateral, and axillary X-ray views of the anatomical area. The radiologist then interprets the results and compiles their report for the orthopedic physician.

What CPT^® code(s) and modifier(s) will you assign for the radiologist’s services?

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