Radiology Coding Alert
READER QUESTION ~ Figure Out Fluoro Units
Question: When we perform multiple joint injections at the same time, can we report 77002 (76003 in CPT 2006) more than once? Answer: Technically you should be able to report 77002 more than once for each separate service, but your payer may have another opinion. The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Jackie Miller, RHIA, CPC, senior consultant with Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.
Colorado Subscriber
The descriptor for 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]) says "guidance for needle placement" in the singular. The descriptor also does not have a specific time range like some other fluoroscopic codes, so time is not a factor.
Fluoroscopic guidance is bundled into numerous services though, so check National Correct Coding Initiative edits before you code.
And remember that if you do a radiographic arthrogram (for example, 73580, Radiologic examination, knee, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation), you can't charge separately for the fluoro because it's included in the arthrogram S&I code.
Radiology Coding Alert
- CPT UPDATE ~ Nix New Codes 77373, 77435 for More Than 5 Fractions
Don't miss: Look to the Web for new chest x-ray CAD codes If you've been [...] - CMS ROUNDUP ~ Learn How Far the 2007 TC Pay Cuts Reach Into Your Pocket
Plus: Get the latest on AAA screening coverage Keeping track of payer news and updates [...] - Expect MUEs to Catch Claims for Unlikely Units Jan. 1
Consider these edits a way to prevent clerical mistakes
News flash: Beginning in January 2007, you'll [...] - PAYER IN FOCUS ~ End Your Questions on Empire's Mammogram Policy
This payer says unilateral screenings are OK One carrier has clarified the coding issues around [...] - YOU BE THE CODER ~ Size Up Sentinel Node Injection
Question: When the physician performs four injections in the left breast for one sentinel node [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Learn the Definition of 'Repeat' for 76, 77
Question: Should I use modifier 76, 77, or 59 when a patient is seen twice [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Verify Separate Sessions for This Modifier 59 Use
Question: The same radiologist read exams described by 73020 and 73030 an hour apart. May [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Decide Whether MIP Merits 3D Code
Question: We are doing MIPs on pulmonary emboli chest CT scan cases. When we perform [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Pass on Reporting Possible AAA Dx
Question: We performed a retroperitoneal ultrasound. The admitting diagnosis header says, "AAA." The clinical history [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Figure Out Fluoro Units
Question: When we perform multiple joint injections at the same time, can we report 77002 [...]
