Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code the following report: The patient was placed in the supine position on the angio-table, and the anterior abdomen was prepped and draped in sterile fashion. A catheter was placed into the percutaneous orifice for the previous PEG tube, and contrast was injected.

Washington Subscriber

Answer: Great question - because if you're not careful, you could fall into a common coding trap.
 
There are two correct CPT Codes for this patient report: 20501 (Injection of sinus tract; diagnostic [sinogram]) and 76080 (Radiologic examination, abscess, fistula or sinus tract study, radiological supervision and interpretation).
 
Pitfall: Be careful to report 49424 (Contrast injection for assessment of abscess or cyst via previously placed drainage catheter or tube [separate procedure]) and 76080 for this service only in the appropriate situation. You should only report 49424 and 76080 if the radiologist injects the tube and monitors the exam with fluoroscopy. Assign 76080 alone if only films were submitted for interpretation from a tube injection.