Radiology Coding Alert

The news: Feb. 11, CMS announced a proposed decision memo that states, "The evidence isinadequate to conclude that CT colonography is an appropriate colorectal cancer screening test under 1861(pp)(1) of the Social Security Act. CT colonography for colorectal cancer screening remains noncovered."

The response: CMS accepts public comments on proposed decisions. These comments are often dominated by letters from physicians and specialty societies. But if you check the comments on the CT colonography (CTC) proposal, you'll see plenty of patients supporting coverage of this less invasive option (www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewnca.asp?nca_id=220&basket=). Their stories add support to the idea that the 40 million patients who are going unscreened are more likely to sign up for CTC than traditional colonoscopy.

Physicians such as David H. Kim, MD, assistant professor of radiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, also expressed their opinions. Kim, a CTC researcher, offered journal articles and studies supporting the medical and cost effectiveness of CTC.

Keep watch: We'll keep you posted on the final decision. Private carriers may still cover CTCs, so remember to report 0066T (Computed tomographic [CT] colonography [i.e., virtual colonoscopy];screening) or 0067T (diagnostic) for these services,and be sure you meet any additional requirements, such as documentation of a patient's failed traditional colonoscopy.