Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

MRI Code Changes

Published on Sun Jul 01, 2001

Question: Has coding for magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder changed since last year? We have been using 23350 (injection procedure for shoulder arthrography) and 73221 (magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, any joint of upper extremity). Plus, weve been billing 76000 for fluoroscopic guidance. Are these correct?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: The fluoroscopy and MRI codes have changed from those you have been reporting. As of Jan. 1, 2001, your practice should be assigning the following codes in addition to 23350 (which has stayed the same and should still be coded and billed to report the injection service):

73222 -- magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, any joint of upper extremity; with contrast material[s]

76003 -- fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device)

Some coding experts note that practices may also report A4647 (supply of paramagnetic contrast material [e.g., gadolinium]) for the contrast materials. However, others say paramagnetics are bundled into the service and may not be reported separately. One exception may occur on those rare occasions when a double dose of contrast is used during an MRI of the brain. Coders should check with individual payers for their policies regarding contrast materials.

Radiology Coding Alert

New Codes Introduced:
Medicare Expands Coverage for PET Scans
HCFA continues to expand policies regulating Medicare reimbursement for positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Dramatic [...]

New PET G Codes
As of July 1, HCFA has revised or replaced G codes used to describe PET [...]

Diagnosis Coding Dilemma:
Report Findings or Signs and Symptoms
A debate rages among Radiology Coder about whether they should report diagnosis codes [...]

Bill Locum Tenens With -Q6 Modifier
Summertime means sunshine, lounging by the pool, cookouts -- and vacations for coders and radiologists.
Vacation [...]

You Be the Coder:
X-rays of Surgical Specimens
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...]

Reader Question:
MRI Code Changes
Question: Has coding for magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder changed since last year? We [...]

Reader Question:
E/M With Mammography
Question: Our radiologist recently performed a diagnostic mammogram on an elderly Medicare patient. At the [...]

Reader Question:
Tomogram of Wrist

Question: Recently, we conducted a tomogram of the wrist, which was done in a single [...]

Reader Question:
Renal Ultrasound
Question: Which code should I report for a renal ultrasound -- 76770 or 76775?
[...]

View All