Radiology Coding Alert
'Acoustic' Is Key to 237.72
Question: Which codes should I report for contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the brain and the entire spine with a diagnosis of acoustic neurofibromatosis? New Jersey Subscriber Answer: To report the MRI scans, choose the "with contrast" code for each region of the spine: 72142 -- Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; with contrast material(s) 72147 -- Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, thoracic; with contrast material(s) 72149 -- Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with contrast material(s). You should report the brain MRI using 70552 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, brain [including brain stem]; with contrast material[s]). For the diagnosis, you should report 237.72 (Neurofibromatosis, type 2 [acoustic neurofibromatosis]). Often, patients with this inherited disorder have a tumor, known as a vestibulocochlear schwannoma, on cranial nerve VIII. The tumor may cause hearing loss. A schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumor made of Schwann cells. Look ahead:
Radiology Coding Alert
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'Acoustic' Is Key to 237.72
Question:Which codes should I report for contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the brain and the entire [...] - Reader Questions:
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Base Dx Code on Reason for Test
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Put Pre-Op Code in Top Spot
Question: When patients are seen for pre-op clearance, may we report V72.83 as a secondary code [...]
