Radiology Coding Alert

Question: There does not appear to be a specific code that describes a CTA, which is merely a CT scan of the anatomical body area with computer manipulation for the angiographic portion. Is it acceptable to use the comparable CT code, rather than use the general code 76499 (unlisted diagnostic radiologic procedure)?

Donna Drew
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Answer: Most carriers allow radiologists to bill the CT by anatomical site (e.g., 74170, computerized axial tomography, abdomen; without contrast material, followed by contrast material[s] and further sections). In addition, coders may also report 76375 (coronal, sagittal, multiplanar, oblique, 3-dimensional and/or holographic reconstruction of computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or other tomographic modality) for the computer manipulation and reconstruction.

Coders should note, however, that 76375 may be added only if documentation supports significant additional service involving the use of specialized software to create the reconstructed images. This code cannot be reported simply because the name of the service has been changed.

Note: New CPT codes will be introduced Jan. 1, 2001, to describe CTA. See cover story in this issue for more information.