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Radiology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Decide Which V Code Describes Pre-Op Best

Published on Wed Jun 06, 2007

Question: How should I report ICD-9 codes for preoperative screening x-rays?


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Answer: Your primary diagnosis code should be the V code that describes the preoperative screening. Then report a code to describe the reason for the surgery.

Radiologists most frequently report these V codes for preoperative chest x-rays:

• V72.81--Preoperative cardiovascular examination

• V72.82--Preoperative respiratory examination

• V72.83--Other specified preoperative examination

• V72.84--Preoperative examination, unspecified. You may list any other definitive findings as a third diagnosis code.
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