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Radiology Coding Alert

CPT 2011:
64479-64484 Will Include Fluoro and CT Guidance Starting Jan. 1
Find out what this change means for 77003.If you report guidance separately for transforam... Read more
Pain Management:
64479-64484 and 0228T-+0231T Coding At-A-Glance
Guidance-type is key in 2011.As of Jan. 1, 2011, CPT will clearly designate transforaminal... Read more
2011 Fee Schedule:
Will CMS Slash 2011 Conversion Factor 30 Percent Versus Current Rates?
Plus: Radiology RVUs could see 10 percent drop.Another season of nail-biting is under way,... Read more
Diagnostic Imaging:
78815 Plus CT Coverage Hinges on Medical Necessity
CCI says you can bill both, but here's the reality.Physicians may order multiple imaging e... Read more
Clip and Save:
Handle Your Pulmonary Diagnoses With Care by Pinpointing Anatomic Site
Match these oncology examples to the proper area.When your radiologist interprets pulmonar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Specialty Code 95 Is Effective April 1, 2011
Question: When is the new specialty code for advanced diagnostic imaging services effectiv... Read more
Reader Questions:
75940 Is S&I Only
Question: My CPT manual lists "for procedure, use ..." notes with many supervision and int... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find State Patient Injured in for WC
Question: We had a patient who was injured on the job (workers' compensation) in Virginia ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
788.0 and 599.71 for Kidney Stone?
Question: When we perform a CT scan for a patient with flank pain and hematuria, and the r... Read more
CPT 2011:
76881 and 76882 Lead the List of 2011 Diagnostic Radiology Changes
Plus: The definitions of 93922-93924 will take up a lot more space in 2011. January is ju... Read more
Quiz Questions:
G0206 or 77055? Test Your Mammogram Coding Skills
Plus: Review CMS's 2010 updates to signature requirements.How sure are you that your mammo... Read more
Coding 101:
Master the Do's and Don'ts of Unlisted-Procedure Coding
Answer these questions for your best chance of adequate reimbursement.Burn this CPT instru... Read more
Quiz Answers:
G0206 or 77055? Test Your Mammogram Coding Skills
Check your answers to the quiz on page 83.Once you've completed the quiz on page 83, take ... Read more
Reader Questions:
51102 Trumps 51100 in This Case
Question: The doctor performed an ultrasound-guided catheter placement via suprapubic appr... Read more
Reader Questions:
355.9 Is Tarlov Cyst Possibility
Question: Our interventional radiologist saw a patient with a sacral Tarlov cyst. Whi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Diagnostic From Therapeutic Nerve Block
Question: Can you explain the difference between "diagnostic" and "therapeutic" injections... Read more
Reader Questions:
V72.83 Applies to Pre-Transplant Exam
Question: We performed a chest X-ray as part of a heart transplant screening. The recipien... Read more
You Be the Coder:
277.0x: Choose Proper 5th Digit
Question: How should I report a single-view chest X-ray that shows CF with pulmonary exace... Read more
Correct Coding Initiative:
Match Your 35475, 35476 Coding to CCI's Latest Change
This column swap could mean an additional $552 for your practice.This has been a year of c... Read more
Correct Coding Initiative:
Add 3 More Edit Groups to Your CCI 16.3 Watch List
Learn which of the edit pairs you may never report together.Correct Coding Initiative (CCI... Read more
Pain Management:
Avoid These Top Interlaminar Injection Pitfalls
Distinguish region from level to prevent denials.Pain management specialists frequently pe... Read more
CPT 2011 Update:
Be First in Line to See New CT Codes 74176-74178
Plus: A collection of stent and angioplasty codes have a new look for the new year.Tired o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Final Update -- 237.78 or 237.79
Question: When we looked over the new ICD-9 2011 codes, we saw 237.78 for "other neurofibr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Cover COPD and Bronchitis With 1 Code
Question: Documentation shows both COPD and acute bronchitis for a patient. What are my IC... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on Bone, Not Joint, for 'Fracture'
Question: Is there a diagnosis code for an SI joint fracture?Ohio SubscriberAnswer: Not ex... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Into DXA for Osteopenia
Question: If a patient has had DXA exams(77080) for years for osteopenia, is the exam stil... Read more
Reader Questions:
Triplet Ultrasound Is No Trouble
Question: I code ultrasounds at our multispecialty clinic. The physician ordered an ultras... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pinpoint Renal Lesion Code
Question: Which codes should I use for a report that states the physician used CT guidance... Read more
Diagnostic Exams:
Keep Modified Barium Swallow Claims Clear With These 74230/92611 Tips
 Tip 1: Separate speech studies from swallowing studies. When your radiologist wo... Read more
ICD-9 Coding:
Get Back to Basics With 3 Backache Examples
Set your sights beyond 724.5 -- sometimes. Your interventional radiologist may be se... Read more
News You Can Use:
Move Your Search for MRA Coverage to the Local Level
But national coverage rules are still in effect, too. Sometimes one coverage change le... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for 32421, 32422 Difference
Question: Which code is appropriate for an ultrasound guided thoracentesis? South Carolin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Accept That Duplex May Need 76999
Question: How should I code the following report? History: Lump over the upper right back... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lock On to Loopography Code
Question: Is loopography the same as urography? Which codes apply to loopography? Vermont... Read more
Reader Questions:
Save 76098 for Specimen
Question: I'm trying to determine whether to use 76098 for a case. When is the code appro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prevent Problems by Precertifying Range
Question: If we precertify a specific interventional procedure based on one diagnosis, bu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Help Yourself to HIDA Code
Question: How should I report a HIDA scan? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: The appropri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Assume View Number
Question: If documentation doesn't show the number of views for an X-ray (such as 73100-7... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Aorta Region for Renal CTA
Question: How should I report a renal CTA that reveals atherosclerosis? Alabama Subscribe... Read more
CCI Update:
Apply These Angiography, Guidance, and Cardiac Imaging Edits Today
Remember to check an edit's modifier indicator before you act.Correct Coding Initiative (C... Read more
Category III Codes:
Watch Out: Guidance Type Can Move Your Code Search to Cat. III Territory
Transforaminal epidural injections have new codes you can't miss. Does July 1 make it o... Read more
News You Can Use:
Make the Most of 2.2 Percent Increase to Medicare Rates
Questions remain about whether the reimbursement yo-yo will start again in the fall.If you... Read more
Pain Management:
Prevent Denials By Applying UHC's Latest Thermal RFA Policy
This payer wants to see you report 77003 separately.If your practice participates with Uni... Read more
Reader Questions:
MCPM Answers Modifier GG Questions
Question:What is the proper way to use modifier GG? Do I append it to a diagnostic mammogr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Modifier 63 Off of Radiology Claims
Question:If we perform an imaging service for an infant, should we append modifier 63?Indi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prepare to Code Oncologic PET Trial Claims
Question:Medicare covers NaF-18 PET to identify bone metastasis only for patients in ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Into Documentation Guidelines for PFSH
Question:I'm new to E/M coding, and I have a question about past, family, and social histo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify Services Performed for HSG Coding
Question:Which codes describe the radiologist's role in a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?Delawa... Read more
Interventional Radiology:
Master the Details to Capture Every PCS Embolization Component
Whether the radiologist works on the left or right side can change your coding.ICD-9 ... Read more
DXA:
Count on 3 Top Tips for 77080-77081 Coverage
A little digging into your local policy can prevent denials.DXA is the gold standard for b... Read more
Nuclear Medicine:
Part 2: Fine Tune Your 78452, 78454 Skills With Documentation Know How
Watch for the phrase 'when performed' to keep denial-causing codes off your claim.In last ... Read more
Reader Questions:
'Acoustic' Is Key to 237.72
Question:Which codes should I report for contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the brain and the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Services for Prostate Biopsy
Question: I'm coding for the radiologist's role in a hospital-based prostate biopsy. The r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Dx Code on Reason for Test
Question:A patient comes into the emergency room for a fall from a ladder, and the ER docs... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 57 Isn't for Consults Only
Question: \"Considering Mod 57? Check Global Period,\" in Radiology Coding Alert, Vol. 11,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Put Pre-Op Code in Top Spot
Question: When patients are seen for pre-op clearance, may we report V72.83 as a seco... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide Whether 19102 + Guidance Is OK
Question:The descriptor for 19102 states \"using imaging guidance.\" Does that mean imagin... Read more
ICD-9 2011:
Watch for 4 Key ICD-9 Additions in Your Radiologist's Findings
From head to toe, the new diagnosis codes hold something for everyone.Whether your patient... Read more
ICD-9 2011:
Size Up New Sign, Symptom, and Other Codes Supporting Radiology Claims
Expect changes to jaw pain and hemoptysis coding options.When the radiologist doesn't docu... Read more
Nuclear Medicine:
Part 1: Set Aside 78452, 78454 Questions With SPECT, Planar Term Tips
A field trip to the nuclear department will take your coding up a notch.CPT rang in 2010 w... Read more
News You Can Use:
Bone Up on Health Care Reform's Impact on Bone Scan Rate
Don't let 2006 DXA code references lead you to use wrong codes.Which codes should you use ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick to 76946 for Amnio Guidance
Question: Our multi-specialty clinic recently added an ob-gyn. The radiologist performed u... Read more
Reader Questions:
Conquer 'Cone-Down View'
Question: What is the appropriate code for a lumbosacral spine X-ray with AP, lateral, and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let 'Balloon' Guide You to 22523-+22525
Question: Should I use 22520-+22522 to report percutaneous vertebroplasty that involves in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on 465.x for URI
Question: An adult patient presented for a two-view chest X-ray. The record noted wheezing... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle ICD-9 for TIPS Procedure
Question: The radiologist used jugular vein access and advanced the catheter through the v... Read more
Streamline Sacral Nerve Stimulator Coding by Mastering Each Stage
Apply CCI's latest fluoro bundle to keep 64561 claims on track. Selecting the proper sacr... Read more
Make Use of MCPM to ID Sacral Nerve Stimulator Requirements
Remember the mantra: Documentation must support ICD-9 code. Whether you're coding for Med... Read more
OIG Alert:
Inject Accuracy Into Transforaminal Epidural Claims or Else
Kick the habit of reporting multiplelevel code for bilateral service. If you want to keep... Read more
Pay Attention to Part B US Services, Too
The OIG makes recommendations to CMS throughout the year pointing out where the government... Read more
Reader Questions:
Head Off Mastoid Coding Troubles
Question: Do mastoid codes 70120 and 70130 represent bilateral exams? Nevada Subscriber A... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Count Oral for 'With Contrast' Code
Question: When the report shows an abdominal CT using oral contrast followed by abdominal... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Payer Preference for 93922x2
Question: If we perform extremity arterial vascular studies (93922-93923) on the left leg... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Access Point for CVA Code
Question: If documentation refers to a "PICC" line terminating in the subclavian, should ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Examine X-Ray and Fluoro on Same Date
Question: When on the same date the radiologist places a central venous access device usi... Read more
Add 77002 and Seize an Extra $70 -- CCI Deletes 3 Arthrography Edits
But beware of adding guidance when RS&I code earns a spot. This April Fools' Day brou... Read more
Agree on Aspiration/Biopsy Definitions for Cleaner Claims
A veteran coder reveals the results of asking radiologists, 'Which code is correct?' You ... Read more
CT-Guided Biopsy of a Left Neck Mass
History: Left-sided cervical lymphadenopathy Procedure: Informed consent was obtained fro... Read more
Answer 3 Questions Before Reporting MR Urogram
Pre-authorization snag may require ABN. If your practice performs MR urograms, you need t... Read more
Reader Question:
Find This Fracture at 823.00
Question: Which ICD-9 code describes a tibial eminence fracture? Massachusetts Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
Add 72020 for Truly Separate Test
Question: If the physician shoots a single-view lumbar x-ray for diagnosis on the same da... Read more
Reader Question:
Verify Tube Type for 32552 With 32550
Question: If we report 32552 for chest tube removal, may we also code for inserting a rep... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Global Before Adding 22
Question: The radiologist uses neck ultrasound (76536) to image lymph nodes for staging. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Pinpoint Location to Back Up 722.x Choice
Question: Which ICD-9 Codes should I report for a herniated disc? Delaware Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
Prove Necessity for Duplex + Physiologic Study
Question: When I report 93880, may I report 93875 and 93886, too, if the physician perfor... Read more
You Be the Coder; Tighten Up Your LAP-BAND Coding
Question: Our radiologists perform percutaneous LAP-BAND adjustments. We report S2083 for... Read more
Conquer Carotid Artery Angiography Coding With This Case Study
Watch for reportable imaging beyond catheter's termination point. To succeed at intervent... Read more
Add 2 More ICD-9 Weapons to Your Diagnostic Test Arsenal
Learn little-known rules that help with documentation curveballs. Your dream documenta... Read more
Get a Glimpse at ICD-10 Codes for Cough, Back Pain, and More
Wrap your brain around using letters in your diagnosis codes. If you aren't curious about... Read more
2 Tactics Tackle the MSP Consult Dilemma
Pull out the calculator: Is charging consult worth the effort? Medicare may have sent con... Read more
Reader Question:
Think Twice Before Reporting CT+CTA
Question: Is it appropriate to report both a CT and CTA of the same anatomic area perform... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick 2 ICD-9 Codes for Pressure Ulcers
Question: We're going to start providing ultrasounds to assess pressure ulcers. How do I ... Read more
Reader Question:
Verify IVC Filter Removal Preference
Question: Should I code IVC filter removal using 37203, 75961-26? Texas Subscriber Answer... Read more
Reader Question:
Double Up for Certain 38792 Services
Question: If the physician performs multiple injections for a single sentinel node in a s... Read more
You Be the Coder :
Try Transjugular Liver Biopsy Coding
Question: Should I report catheter placement separately for a transjugular liver biopsy? ... Read more
Identify Radiologist's Services to Tackle 2 MD AAA Repair
Hint: Not all services merit modifier 62, so know how to pinpoint the ones that do. When ... Read more
Count on MPFS Co-Surgery Column for Proper 62 Use
Mastering modifier indicators gets you on your way. When you append modifier 62 to a clai... Read more
Part I:
: Prove Dx Test Necessity Using 3 CMS-Approved Strategies
Smart move: Be sure order documents symptoms before you code them. Don't despair if an X-... Read more
Protect Yourself From Instant 'PC' Claim Denials
Don't let 'wrong surgery' modifier mistakes stall your reimbursement. You use modifier TC... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Anatomic Location for Golfer's Elbow
Question: What is the appropriate ICD-9 code for golfer's elbow? South Carolina Subscribe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Center on Q9965-Q9967 for LOCM
Question: How should I report Omnipaque? Idaho Subscriber Answer: HCPCS includes three po... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Symbol to Grasp 77371 Change
Question: My CPT 2010 manual indicates that 77371 is a revised code, but the definition l... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay Up to Date on PET for Cervical Cancer
Question: Does Medicare still require modifier Q0 on PET claims for cervical cancer? Wash... Read more
Reader Questions:
Link Modifier Q6 to Locum Tenens Claims
Question: We hired a locum tenens for over the holidays. Do we code the same for the repla... Read more
Reader Questions:
Size Up Sacro-Coccygeal Joint
Question: Which CPT code should we report for a steroid sacro-coccygeal joint injection? ... Read more
Reader Questions:
74270 Isn't for Barium Only
Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for an enema that uses water-soluble contrast ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ace Bilateral Hip MRI
Question: How should I code a bilateral hip MRI? Should I use a pelvis code? Arizona Subs... Read more
Use These 3 Tips to Shore Up Your X-Ray View Expertise
Plus, boost your documentation interpretation using the bonus tip. Keeping track of vi... Read more
Quiz:
Take Time for an Embolism ICD-9 Check-Up/Quiz Answers: Learn Whether Your Embolism Coding Makes the Grade
Distinguishing superficial veins from deep will keep your claims clean. In all the exc... Read more
Comb Key Components to Choose Consult Substitute
Be sure you catch which physician should use new modifier AI. You finally may have got... Read more
Quiz Answers:
Learn Whether Your Embolism Coding Makes the Grade
See if you avoided the acute vs. chronic pitfalls. Have you mastered ICD-9 2010 emboli... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Change DOS Methods Just Yet
Question: Radiology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 14, referred to CMS Transmittal 1823, but... Read more
Reader Questions:
Simplify AV Coding With G039x Deletion
Question: I’ve heard that we won’t be able to use G0392 and G0393 in 2010. I... Read more
Reader Questions:
Order, Not Implant, Decides Diagnostic
Question: If a patient has breast implants or breast augmentation, should I consider thi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Vessel for AngioJet Code
Question: I’m trying to find the code specific to “thrombectomy, left SFA An... Read more
You Be the Coder:
OB or Non-OB When US Reveals Pregnancy?
Question: Our practice performed an ordered ultrasound on a patient complaining of pain,... Read more
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