Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I have a report where the radiologist performed a four-view unilateral rib X-ray procedure of the patient’s right ribs. The radiologist documented that they captured anteroposterior (AP), AP lower ribs, right anterior oblique (RAO), and right posterior oblique (RPO) views.

What rib X-ray code should I assign to report this procedure?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: The CPT^® code set offers two code choices for unilateral rib X-rays – 71100 (Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; 2 views) and 71101 (… including posteroanterior chest, minimum of 3 views).

You mentioned the radiologist captured AP, AP lower ribs, RAO, and RPO images for a total of four views. Code 71101 requires a minimum of three views and a posteroanterior (PA) chest view, but the radiologist did not capture a PA chest view. While 71100 only requires two different views, this code is the best option because the descriptor doesn’t require a specific type of view even though the number of views required is less than the number of views taken.

For your situation, you’ll need to use the code that most closely matches the service provided, even if it isn’t a perfect match. Additionally, you can check with your individual payer, as their individual coding guidelines may vary, and they could have specific rules for situations such as this.