Radiology Coding Alert
Report Hip Arthrograms Bilaterally
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: Yes. Depending on your carrier, you should report either 27095-50 (Injection procedure for hip arthrography; with anesthesia; Bilateral procedure) or 27095-LT (Left side) and 27095-RT (Right side) for the bilateral arthrography.
Code 73525 (Radiologic examination, hip, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation) refers to a single hip, not both hips, so you can report it using the bilateral modifiers and receive additional reimbursement for your radiological supervision and interpretation (RS&I) for both hips. As with 27095, determine whether your payer prefers modifier -50 or the -LT and -RT modifiers before submitting your bilateral claims for 73525.
The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Cindy C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H, RCC, co-owner of Coding Strategies Inc. in Dallas, Ga.
Radiology Coding Alert
- NCCI Makes DEXA Scans and CT
If your physician orders more than one study to confirm a patient's condition, you had [...] - Add a Fifth Digit to That Hyperplasia Diagnosis
Radiology practices will finally be able to specify prostate hyperplasia and hypertrophy diagnoses, thanks to [...] - CMS Overhauls ICD-9 Codes
Radiologists see patients for many conditions, so don't be surprised when the following ICD-9 Codes [...] - You Be the Coder:
Can I Hold a Claim Until I Have a Dx?
Question: When we see a patient for a new problem, such as cough and fever, [...] - Modifiers -51 and -59:
Under the Microscope
Modifiers -51 and -59 have similar applications to tell the insurer that you performed separate, [...] - News Brief:
Good News! You Can Keep the Extra Cash
Due to the late implementation of the 2003 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule , Medicare [...] - Reader Question:
2 Feet Count as Multiple Scan Areas
Question: We performed a bone scan of both feet. Should we report CPT 78300 [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Myocardial Codes for Extremities
Question: I performed a thallium scan of the lower extremity with SPECT and planar images [...] - Reader Question:
Report Diskography RS&I per Level
Question: If our radiologist performs diskography injections at multiple levels (such as L2-3, L3-4, L4-5), [...] - Reader Question:
Never Clone Your Notes
Question: In the July article Avoid Common Mistakes When Reporting Special Services, you advised against [...] - Reader Questions:
Report Hip Arthrograms Bilaterally
Question: Our radiologist performed bilateral hip arthrograms under anesthesia. Should I report CPT 27095 [...]
