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Radiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Avoid 70371, 74230 Confusion

Published on Thu Jul 20, 2006

Question: Would you explain the difference between 70371 and 74230?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Here's what you need to know:
 
70371: Code 70371 (Complex dynamic pharyngeal and speech evaluation by cine or video recording) describes a radiologic study using cineradiography or video recording for pharyngeal and speech evaluation. Typically, although not necessarily, a speech pathologist is present, and the patient repeats sounds to allow for evaluation of the mouth and tongue during speech.
 
CPT 74230 : The swallowing function exam described by 74230 (Swallowing function, with cineradiography/videoradiography) is also called a "modified barium swallow" and is used to evaluate the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and upper esophagus.
 
The procedure includes cineradiography or videoradiography use. Imaging exams included in this procedure include an AP film of the barium-distended esophagus from the neck to the diaphragm and right anterior oblique projection to include the neck and thorax. The exam may also include a left anterior oblique projection.
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