READER QUESTIONS:
Verify '3D' Before Coding Rotational Angiography
Published on Sat May 09, 2009
Question: Should I add 76376 or 76377 to angiography codes for 3D rotational angiography? Illinois Subscriber Answer: Because you specify "3D" you may consider reporting the 3D rendering codes for your situation, assuming you meet the criteria for those codes. 3D and angiography: You may use 3D rendering codes 76376-76377 (3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality ...) in addition to an angiography code because angiography falls under the descriptor's phrase "other tomographic modality," according to the ACR Radiology Coding Source "Coding Q&A" (November/December 2006). In the Q&A, the ACR states that "Three-dimensional angiography is a tomographic modality wherein an x-ray tube rotates about an isocenter collecting data at various reference points. The data is typically sent to an independent workstation for postprocessing. Since this is typically performed on an independent work station, 76377 (... requiring image postprocessing on an [...]