Radiology Coding Alert

Watch for the phrase 'when performed' to keep denial-causing codes off your claim.In last month's issue (Part 1), the spotlight was on how to differentiate SPECT and planar services to help you choose between CPT 78452 and 78454. Now, master which codes you should -- and shouldn't -- report alongside these myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) codes and understand why thorough documentation is still a must, even when it won't change your coding.Subtract Add-On Codes From MPI ClaimsAside from the SPECT/planar difference, these codes' definitions are the same, stating they include "qualitative or quantitative wall motion, ejection fraction by first pass or gated technique, additional quantification, when performed":78452 -- Myocardial perfusion imaging, tomographic (SPECT) (including attenuation correction, qualitative or quantitative wall motion, ejection fraction by first pass or gated technique, additional quantification, when performed); multiple studies, at rest and/or stress (exercise or pharmacologic) and/or redistribution and/or rest reinjection78454 -- Myocardial perfusion [...]