Radiology Coding Alert

Epidurography may be appropriate, but don't confuse it with 77003You may be tempted to report an epidurogram for epidural steroid injection guidance instead of the appropriate fluoroscopy code (77003), but that's a sure way to sink your claim. Stop denials in their tracks with the following accurate coding tips.Think 'Diagnostic' for 72275An epidurogram (72275, Epidurography, radiological supervision and interpretation) is a diagnostic tool, which means documentation should support medical necessity for the test and offer a description of the findings.For example: Documentation should show the physician injected contrast into the epidural space under direct fluoroscopy for a diagnostic study. The report might indicate that he studied the flow, noting any obstructions of contrast in the space around the nerves to help him diagnose compressive lesions, narrowing and swelling around the nerve or nerve roots, or intervertebral disc herniations.Remember: You may report 72275 only if the physician performs the separate diagnostic [...]