Radiology Coding Alert

Chest X-rays, mammograms, and various CT scans round out the most frequently reported codes.

If you want to keep your practice's finances in the black, be sure you're accurately reporting the codes for the services you perform most often.

For example: Below are the top 10 codes radiologists reported to the CMS database in 2009. You can download the list, posted by Frank Cohen, MPA, principal and Senior Analyst for The Frank Cohen Group, by clicking "Top 10 procedure codes by frequency for all specialties" at www.frankcohen.com/html/access.html

Keep in mind: Codes 72193, 74160, and 74150 are likely to be reported less frequently in 2011 than in 2009 because the AMA added three codes for CT scans of both the abdomen and pelvis:

• 74176, Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; without contrast material
• 74177, ... with contrast material(s)
• 74178, ... without contrast material in one or both body regions, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections in one or both body regions.