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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Append -52 to Halted CT

Published on Sat Oct 18, 2003

Question: Our radiation oncologist used computed tomography (CT) guidance to biopsy a pancreas mass, but the mass kept moving. Our physician resorted to using ultrasound guidance. The oncologist wants to report 76360 for the CT, 76942 for the ultrasound, and 48102 for the biopsy. Can he report all three or just the biopsy and ultrasound?

Illinois Subscriber Answer: The National Correct Coding Initiative considers 76360 (Computed tomography guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], radiological supervision and interpretation) a component of 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation). While complex procedures sometimes demand multimodality guidance and monitoring, you should report only the most comprehensive imaging service that the radiation oncologist uses or the successful modality. In your case, you should report 48102* (Biopsy of pancreas, percutaneous needle) and 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance ...) for the ultrasound.
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