Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I report a single-view chest X-ray that shows CF with pulmonary exacerbation?

North Carolina Subscriber

Answer: In this case, use 277.02 (Cystic fibrosis with pulmonary manifestations) because the physician clearly stated "pulmonary exacerbation" in the narrative description. For the chest X-ray, report 71010 (Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontal).

The diagnosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes the mucus lining the mucosal surfaces of internal organs to become thick, dry, and sticky. This denser mucus (secretions) in the lungs gives bacteria a uniquely favorable place to grow, making CF patients more susceptible to more strains of bacteria than people without CF.