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Determine Aorta Region for Renal CTA
Published on Fri Aug 20, 2010
Question: How should I report a renal CTA that reveals atherosclerosis? Alabama Subscriber Answer: Code 74175 (Computed tomographic angiography, abdomen, with contrast material[s], including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing) is appropriate for a renal CTA. This abdominal CTA code is correct because the renal arteries branch from the abdominal aorta. Renal scans often range from the supraceliac aorta down to the iliac bifurcation. Because the documentation confirms renal artery atherosclerosis, you should report 440.1 (Atherosclerosis; of renal artery).