Radiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Ace Bilateral Hip MRI

Question: How should I code a bilateral hip MRI? Should I use a pelvis code? Arizona Subscriber Answer: For a hip MRI, choose from 73721-73723 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, any joint of lower extremity ...), depending on contrast use, states CPT Assistant (June 2006). The way you identify the service as bilateral will depend on the payer's preference. CPT Assistant states that any one of the following may be appropriate: • List the appropriate code twice on the claim. • Append modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side). • Report a single-line item and report 2 units. CPT Assistant indicates that use of modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) is not appropriate for bilateral radiology procedures.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All