Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Could you please explain the difference between anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) views?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: Radiological projections pertain to the direction in which the X-ray beams flow through the patient’s body. Anterior means near the front and posterior means near the back. When you read the terms, the first part of the word will indicate where the beams enter the body and the last part will define the exit.

In an AP view, the beam enters the front of the body and exits the back of the body, whereas in a PA view, the beams will enter at the back of the body and exit at the front.

This knowledge helps you double check the documentation against the images you receive when coding the report. If you have a radiology report that indicates a PA view, but the images are from the front, then you should query the provider to ensure the information is correct.