Radiology Coding Alert
Double-Check Descriptors to Avoid Claim Denials
Question: A patient visited an outpatient radiology practice for abdominal and chest X-rays. The radiologist captured a complete abdominal series with supine and decubitus views and an anteroposterior (AP) chest view. We assigned 74019 and 71045 to report the X-ray procedures, but the claim was denied. How can we correct the claim? Georgia Subscriber Answer: You can correct the claim by making a two for one swap. Instead of using two separate procedures codes — 74019 (Radiologic examination, abdomen; 2 views) and 71045 (Radiologic examination, chest; single view) — you’ll assign only 74022 (Radiologic examination, complete acute abdomen series, including 2 or more views of the abdomen (eg, supine, erect, decubitus), and a single view chest) for the encounter. Upon inspection of 74022’s descriptor, you’ll find that the code requires: Each of these factors apply to the information you provided in your question, which means you will assign 74022 to report the procedures and correct your claim.
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Double-Check Descriptors to Avoid Claim Denials
Question: A patient visited an outpatient radiology practice for abdominal and chest X-rays. The radiologist captured [...]
