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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Include Contrast

Published on Sat Jan 22, 2005

Question: Our IDTF radiologists want to code for the oral and rectal contrast used for CT procedures on a Medicare patient. Is this allowed?

New Mexico Subscriber
 
Answer: No - for Medicare, these are included in the cost of the procedure.
 
Nonroutine injectable contrasts may be charged with computed tomography, but oral and rectal contrast should not be coded separately. So, while you may code intravascular, intra-articular, and intrathecal contrast, tell your physicians that the particular contrasts in question (oral or rectal) are included.
 
You should check with any commercial or managed- care payers to see if they will reimburse you for this under code 99070 (Supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies, or materials provided]).
 
You can also check HCPCS Level II codes, such as A9525 (Supply of low or iso-osmolar contrast material, 10 mg of iodine).

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