Radiology Coding Alert
76536 Applies to Forehead Ultrasound
Question: Which code should be used for an ultrasound of the forehead for lesion s/p surgery?
Codify Member
Answer: The appropriate code is 76536 (Ultrasound, soft tissues of head and neck [e.g., thyroid, parathyroid, parotid], real time with image documentation) for this forehead ultrasound, status post (s/p) surgery.
Bonus tip: Remember to append modifier 26 (Professional component) if you're coding only the professional service. This rule holds true even if the radiologist performs the ultrasound herself, in addition to providing the interpretation and report. CPT® Assistant (May 2009) explains that for services performed in a facility setting, "even if the professional acts as the sonographer, use of the code without a modifier is not appropriate as the facility has provided the room and most likely the equipment."
Radiology Coding Alert
- ICD-9 2012:
415.13 and 747.3x Put Pulmonary Changes in the Spotlight
Your radiology coding tools will need to reflect cystostomy and fracture updates, too.Whether you need [...] - Case Study:
74176-74178 Challenge Reveals How 2011 Coding Compares to 2010
Test yourself to be sure you've mastered this year's coding changes.Codes for abdominal and pelvic [...] - ICD-10:
D25.- Will Replace 218.x After the ICD-10 Transition
Just like ICD-9, ICD-10 instructions will help you match documentation and code terminology. Your radiologist [...] - You Be the Coder:
Which Code for This US Case?
Question: How should I code this report? Real time gray scale evaluation was performed using [...] - Reader Question:
76140 Applies to Provider Requested Over-Read
Question: We are a radiology facility that our radiologists own, so we bill globally. We [...] - Reader Question:
72069 Requires Standing View
Question: Our order is for a scoliosis series. The report indicates 2 views, but does [...] - Reader Question:
20605 Is Right Size for AC Joint
Question: If the IR injects a patient's AC joint, should we report 20610? We're debating [...] - Reader Question:
76536 Applies to Forehead Ultrasound
Question: Which code should be used for an ultrasound of the forehead for lesion s/p [...] - Reader Question:
Certain Pacemaker Patients May See MRI Coverage
Question: I heard there was an update on Medicare's MRI coverage for patients with pacemakers. [...] - Reader Question:
70546 Applies to Venogram, Too
Question: How should I code magnetic resonance venography without and with contrast?Codify MemberAnswer: You should [...]
