Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: I found an old Reader Question that said to use 74175 for interpretation of renal artery CTA. Is this still the best option?

Connecticut Subscriber

Answer: Yes, 74175 (Computed tomographic angiography, abdomen, with contrast material[s], including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing) is appropriate because the renals originate from the abdominal aorta. Append modifier 26 (Professional component) if you’re reporting only the interpretation and report.

You’ll typically see the renal study check the area from above the celiac vessels down to the iliac bifurcation.

If the study confirms renal artery stenosis, report I70.1 (Atherosclerosis of renal artery).