Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for an enema that uses water-soluble contrast with iodine?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: You should report the same code you would use for the more commonly performed barium enema: 74270 (Radiologic examination, colon; contrast [e.g., barium] enema, with or without KUB).

A physician may choose a water-soluble contrast if she suspects the patient has a perforation of the colon, for example.

-- The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Michele Midkiff, CPC-I, PCS, RCC, executive director of Coding Affiliates Inc., an interventional and neuro-interventional radiology coding service in Mountain View, Calif.