Radiology Coding Alert

Question:  Which code applies to a KUB interpretation following ESWL?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: Code 74000 (Radiological examination, abdomen; single anteroposterior view) typically applies to a KUB (which stands for, but does not require imaging of, kidney, ureters, and bladder). Documentation should drive your final code choice, however. Append modifier 26 (Professional component) to 74000 if you need to indicate that the radiologist performed only the interpretation and report.

The physician who performs the ESWL to break up kidney stones should report 50590 (Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave).