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Radiology Coding Alert

CPT® 2013:
36221 to +36228 Shake Up Carotid and Vertebral Angiography in the New Year
Heed the hierarchy, or denials are guaranteed.One of the biggest coding changes radiology ... Read more
Interventional Coding:
Bolster Your Cervicocerebral Angiography Coding With This Q&A
Decide between modifiers 50 and 59 for opposite side services.CPT® 2013 will introdu... Read more
Diagnostic Services:
Keep Nuclear Imaging Claims in the Clear With These CCI and Coding Updates
Don't let a 78007 slip-up lead to returned claims in 2013.If you code for vascular flow, t... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
727.61 Counterpart Requires Right/Left Rotator Cuff Distinction
Head to M75.12- when documentation doesn't specify 'traumatic.' Before rep... Read more
News Flash:
Palmetto Adds Chronic Venous Hypertension to Varicose Vein LCD
Here are 2 good reasons to be sure you're using the most current payer policy. Pal... Read more
Reader Question:
Know the News on POS Implementation Date
Question: I've been expecting to see more information about CMS's place of service (POS) r... Read more
Reader Question:
J2001 Applies for IV Only
Question: Our physician administered a sacroiliac steroid injection along with 1cc of 1 pe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Join the Search for Jones Fracture Code
Question: A physician in my practice listed Jones fracture as the patient's diagnosis, but... Read more
CPT® 2013:
32555 and 32557 Promise a Simpler Path to Pleural Aspiration and Drainage Coding
Catheter aspiration will have an obvious code choice. The preliminary list of CPT®... Read more
CPT® Update:
Get a Handle on Radiology Coding for 2013 With This Overview
From cervical X-rays to thrombolysis, the New Year has a lot of changes in store. Here... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
183.0 Splits Into 3 Ovarian Neoplasm Options in the New Code Set
A quick check of the index will keep you from reporting excluded diagnoses.If you code for... Read more
Interventional Radiology:
Drill Down to the Best CVA Choice With 5 Quick Questions
Central, tunneled, and other key terms narrow the list of coding options.You've got a bake... Read more
Catheter Coding:
Here's Why Relying on Catheter Names Is Risky for CVA Coding
Clue in to when you're more likely to see tunneled vs. non-tunneled.Savvy coders know they... Read more
Reader Question:
70480 Is Best Choice for Noncontrast Temporal Bone CT
Question: Which code is appropriate for a noncontrast temporal bone CT?Arizona SubscriberA... Read more
Reader Question:
36475 Includes H&P
Question: The physician saw a patient in his office for swelling of the leg that hadn... Read more
Reader Question:
70330 x1 Covers Multiple Views
Question: I've got a report for eight TMJ views with the mouth in a variety of positions (... Read more
Reader Question:
71020x3 Is an Option for Repeat Service
Question: If a patient has multiple chest X-rays on the same date, interpreted by the same... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How Many Units for 2 AV Graft Stents?
Question: The physician is reporting repair of left arm dialysis AV graft with percutaneou... Read more
Ultrasound:
76506-76999 Authoritative Guidelines Clear the Way to Cleaner Claims
Know where to look for nationally non-covered ultrasound services. When you report diagno... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
568.0 and K66.0 Are Similar, But There's a Twist
News alert: The implementation date for the new code set is now official.Oct. 1, 2014, is ... Read more
Biopsy:
10022 or 19102? Decide Whether to Report 1 or Both for This Case
CCI offers guidance to protect you from unexpected payback requests. Breast biopsies m... Read more
Term Tips:
Take Your Ultrasound Coding Up a Notch Using This Glossary
Apply definitions direct from CPT®.Successfully connecting your radiology report to ... Read more
Reader Question:
74000 Is Your Go-To KUB Code
Question:  Which code applies to a KUB interpretation following ESWL?Texas Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
174.x Is Just the Start for This Case
Question: How should we code malignant breast cancer with metastasis to liver and bone?Ten... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier PD: Verify Hospital Ownership
Question: If we perform a diagnostic X-ray for a Medicare patient at our office and the pa... Read more
Reader Question:
38221 and G0364 Can Pair Up
Question: For private payers, should I report G0364 or 38220 for aspiration and biopsy at ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Face Facet Joint Coding Head On
Question: The physician advanced a 25 gauge spinal needle into the posterior aspect of the... Read more
CCI Update:
Factor These 5 Tips Into Your Correct Coding Initiative 18.2 Plan
Dig into the reason for PET + CT before choosing your codes. Love them or hate them, C... Read more
News You Can Use:
ACA Decision Keeps MPPR and Preventive Service Coverage a Part of Your Day
Radiology coders wonder what ACO structure will mean for the future.The U.S. has been buzz... Read more
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty:
72291 and 72292 Offer Opportunity to Report RS&I Separately
But be sure you claim only those services actually performed.Packaging surgery and related... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
S52.53-- Will Require In-Depth Colles' Fracture Documentation
Bone up on the Gustilo fracture classification.Under ICD-10, fracture coding is serious bu... Read more
Reader Question:
75989 Is Best Bet for 32551
Question: For a chest tube insertion, should we charge 75989 or 77012 for the CT guid... Read more
Reader Question:
76098 Applies to Stereotactic Biopsy Sample
Question: May I report 76098 for specimen review during stereotactic biopsy? Codify Me... Read more
Reader Question:
72200 Doesn't Take Modifier 50
Question: Is 72200 unilateral or bilateral?Codify MemberAnswer: You should think of 72200 ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Codes for Abscess Assessment
Question: A patient had a drainage catheter placed three days ago for a postoperative subh... Read more
Bone Mass Measurement:
77080: 5 Smart Moves for More Accurate BMM Claims
Separate screening from monitoring for spot-on coding. Bone mass measurement (BMM) has bee... Read more
BMM Coverage:
733.xx Supports 77080 When DXA Is for Monitoring
Finding ICD-9 codes for screening requires an extra step.Bone mass measurement is a common... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
D05.-- Expands Reporting Options for Breast Carcinoma in Situ
You'll need to know the type and the breast involved.If you want to see evidence that ICD-... Read more
Reader Question:
805.02 Solves the Dens Fracture Mystery
Question: How should I code a Fracture of the Dens? There was no spinal cord injury or men... Read more
Reader Question:
Oct. 1 Won't Bring ICD-9 Changes
Question: Are there any ICD-9-cm updates planned for 2013? Iowa Subscriber Answer: N... Read more
Reader Question:
215.0 Applies to LDD Diagnosis
Question: How do we report Lhermitte-Duclos in ICD-9?Alaska SubscriberAnswer:  You ma... Read more
Reader Question:
CMS Addresses MPPR for Group Practice
Question: Will you explain how the MPPR applies to imaging?Arizona SubscriberAnswer: 2012 ... Read more
Reader Question:
37228 Includes Nitroglycerin Injection
Question: Can I charge for nitroglycerin injections x 2 when performing a right angiopla... Read more
Reader Question:
37215 and 37216 Differ Based on DEP
Question: How should we code distal embolic protection performed with stenting or angiop... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Get Stumped by Pressure Ulcer Coding
Question: Our physician was asked to use ultrasound to evaluate a patient with a diagnosis... Read more
Vascular Studies:
93922, 93923: 3 FAQs Take Your NIPS Coding to a New Level
Don't miss the significance of the ABI 'plus' requirement. Even veteran coders can get los... Read more
Quick Tip:
A9552 Has Specific Item 19 Requirements for Noridian
If you're submitting a PET claim to Noridian Medicare Part B, be sure to follow these tact... Read more
Pain Management:
64633-+64636 Require a Counting Change for Spinal RF Services
Plus: Verify how each payer wants bilateral procedures reported. Spinal radiofrequency (RF... Read more
Anatomy:
Clue in to Facet Joint Structure
Each vertebra has a total of four facet joints -- two joints that articulate (loosely... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
453.42 Splits Into Tibial, Other, and Unspecified ICD-10 Options
You'll need to know the leg involved to choose the best DVT code.Coding for deep vein thro... Read more
Reader Question:
Confirmed Diagnosis Trumps Symptoms
Question: In my coding classes, we learned that if the treating physician orders the test ... Read more
Reader Question:
76870 Is One Option for Groin Ultrasound
Question: Which CPT® code is used to report the ultrasound examination of a palpable... Read more
Reader Question:
76000 Has a Role in Foreign Body Removal
Question: May we report fluoroscopy if it's used for something such as locating a foreign ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle Upper and Lower Extremity X-Rays
Question: In a single session, we performed standing AP, lateral, and tangential views of ... Read more
Interventional Radiology:
35476 Accuracy Hinges on AV Shunt Segment Definitions
Pinpoint arterial code opportunities by understanding the exception to the venous rule. ... Read more
Code Watch:
Cervicocerebral Angiography May See Coding Changes in 2013
Chest tube placement and nuclear medicine updates may be in your future, too. If you w... Read more
CCI Update:
36147/+76937 Edit Is a Thing of the Past
You still shouldn't be too hasty in adding the US code to your claim.A recent Correct Codi... Read more
News You Can Use:
Postpone POS Rule Change to October, CMS Says
Are you ready to implement the new rule for coding interpretation services?For CMS rules, ... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
I66.-- Requires Anatomic Specifics for Cerebral Embolism Coding
Tip: 434.10 isn't the only ICD-9 code that crosses to this range.Did you hear the news? On... Read more
Reader Question:
76604 or 76705 Offers Back Ultrasound Option
Question: Which ultrasound code applies for examining a mass on the back?Rhode Island Subs... Read more
Reader Question:
36569 Suffices for Attempt and Final Insertion
Question: The physician began an encounter trying to insert a Swan Ganz catheter but decid... Read more
Reader Question:
73200x1 Covers Multiple Same-Arm Sites
Question: How should we report CT of the humerus and wrist of the same arm?Illinois Subscr... Read more
Reader Question:
+99145 Doesn't Apply for Extra 6 Minutes
Question: If the physician documents 36 minutes of moderate sedation, may we report 99144 ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Match Code to MRCP
Question: Is there a specific code for MRCP? We performed a scan on a patient with acute p... Read more
CCI:
73706 Adds 2 Edits in April to Keep Your CTA Coding on Track
See why reporting these codes together was already noncompliant. Correct Coding Initiative... Read more
Quiz:
32422 With X-Ray? Here's Where to Find Official Guidance
Comply with these PET, bone imaging, and vertebroplasty rules, too.You may find answers to... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
R10.8- Separates Tenderness and Rebound Tenderness of the Abdomen
Documentation of quadrant will still be crucial in the new code system.Upper right side ab... Read more
Anatomy:
617.2, 620.0, and More: Match the Code to the Female Reproductive Site
Give your coding a boost by tying code digits to actual structures.When your radiologist i... Read more
Reader Question:
76942 Takes a Single Unit
Question: For code 76942, which modifiers are allowed, and how do I report units?Codify Me... Read more
Reader Question:
78580 Applies to Perfusion
Question: How do you code for a nuclear medicine split lung function test? The report st... Read more
Reader Question:
72114 Requires Bending Views
Question: If we performed AP, lateral, flexion, extension, bilateral oblique, and spot L5-... Read more
Reader Question:
37221 Covers Angiography and Stent
Question: My physician is planning to perform left iliac artery angiography followed by st... Read more
You Be the Coder:
73565 Is Common Cause of Confusion
Question: How should I code the following report? X-rays: I interpreted Rosenberg, lateral... Read more
CMS Update:
POS 11 May Not Apply for Office Interpretations -- Here's Why
Focus on face-to-face service when choosing your code. CMS has announced a new place of se... Read more
Guidelines in Focus:
36147 Features Official Includes/Excludes Rules in 2012
Watch for 2 separately reportable services.Flip through the Surgery section of your 2012 C... Read more
AV Shunt:
36147: Get a Better Picture of Fistula Vs. Graft
Get the official word on what makes 75791 different from 36147.CPT® can pack a lot i... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
747.81 Splits Into AVM and Other Options Under ICD-10
The newly announced delay doesn't mean you should stop preparing.The ICD-10 implementation... Read more
Reader Question:
76881 and 76882 Have Crucial Guidelines
Question: How do you determine complete or limited for 76881 and 76882?Codify MemberAnswer... Read more
Reader Question:
733.90 Diagnosis Means No More 'Screenings'
Question: A patient presents to the office for screening DXA bone density test, but the or... Read more
You Be the Coder:
10022 With Other Biopsy Has Rules
Question: The physician performed a fine needle aspiration and then a needle biopsy of t... Read more
Abdominal/Pelvic CTA:
74174: Ace CT vs. CTA and CCI Edits for Cleaner Claims
A little runoff CTA know-how can help prevent a lot of denials. You have a new code to con... Read more
Catheter Coding:
36245-+36248: Discover Which Codes See a Global Period Change in 2012
Similar revisions are now in place for 36200.If you want proof that annual code updates go... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
571.5 Crosses to a Trio of K74.- Codes
Watch documentation to find a better option than the ICD-10 NOS code. When ICD-10-CM r... Read more
Angiographic Reconstruction Postprocessing Is Key to CTA
Need to distinguish CTA from CT? Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a non-invasive ... Read more
Reader Question:
93965 Gets New Supporting ICD-9 Codes
Question: I saw a notice that our LCD for Noninvasive Vascular Testing (L31712) was revise... Read more
Reader Question:
726.73 Applies to Achilles Tendon Spur
Question: What is the correct ICD-9 code for Achilles tendon spur?Codify MemberAnswer: You... Read more
Reader Question:
64622 Is for Nerve Level (in 2011)
Question: When billing lumbar/cervical non-pulsed radiofrequency facet denervation codes 6... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier 52 Solves Unilateral/Bilateral Issue
Question: If we perform a unilateral imaging service and the only available code specifies... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code This Retrograde Urethrogram
Question: The physician performed a retrograde urethrogram with fluoroscopic interpretatio... Read more
SI Injections:
27096 Adds Imaging, Subtracts RVUs in 2012
This code's unilateral/bilateral status is key to proper payment. Your days of ch... Read more
Peritoneal Services:
49083 Offers New Imaging-Specific Abdominal Paracentesis Code
Don't code guidance in addition to 49084 either.Prior to Jan.1, 2012, abdominal paracentes... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
S83.2 -- A Options May Make You Long for the Simplicity of 836.1
Prepare now for more specific knee injury coding in 2013. ICD-10-CM is expected to re... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Releases Some Good News About How MPPR Applies to Groups
The pro fee cut isn't completely eliminated, though.CMS no longer plans to apply the Multi... Read more
Renal Angiography:
36251-36254 Package Cath Placement and Angiography in 2012
Watch for unilateral and bilateral services to be sure you have the proper code.Renal angi... Read more
IVC Filters:
37191-37193 Clarify Coding for Insertion, Repositioning, and Retrieval
Prevent denials by applying this news for 37620 and 75940.Starting Jan. 1, 2012, you'll no... Read more
Reader Question:
64479-+64484: Mystery (s) Explained
Question: Codes 64479-+64484 in the 2012 manual state "Injection," but in 2011 the same co... Read more
Reader Question:
72170 and 73500 Don't Conflict
Question: Our doctors often request 72170 (AP Pelvis 1-2 view) and 73500 (hip 1 view). Now... Read more
Reader Question:
93925 Doesn't Include Aorta
Question: Does 93925 (Duplex scan of the lower extremity arteries) include the aorta and i... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Inject Accuracy Into Myelogram Claims
Question: I have a report showing cervical myelogram with the injection performed at the l... Read more
Imaging:
72114 and 72120 See View Requirement Changes in 2012
Start the documentation education now to ease potential 72114 audits. Where view requireme... Read more
Vertebroplasty:
22520-+22522 Include Bone Biopsy, Says CPT® 2012
You'll have to check the guidelines if you want to learn the exception.A 2012 wording chan... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
784.2 Crosses to Multiple Codes -- Don't Overlook Hidden #3
Abnormal imaging findings will lead you to an all new code range in ICD-10.The Oct.1, 2013... Read more
MPFS:
Conversion Factor and MPPR News Doesn't Bode Well for Radiology
CMS backed away from a 50 percent pro fee cut, but did the agency back away far enough?Cod... Read more
Reader Question:
37182 0-Day Global Allows Later 36481
Question: If a TIPS patient returns less than 90 days after placement for portal angiogr... Read more
Reader Question:
F1-F9 Advice Varies
Question: I've seen conflicting advice on whether to use finger and toe modifiers with rad... Read more
Reader Question:
36120 Goes Against the Flow
Question: What's the significance of the word "retrograde" in 36120?Illinois SubscriberAns... Read more
Reader Question:
440.2x Applies to Popliteal Stenosis
Question: What is the ICD-9 code for stenosis, popliteal artery?Codify MemberAnswer: You s... Read more
Reader Question:
733.13 Indicates Chronic Pathologic Fracture
Question: What's the correct ICD-9 code for a chronic lumbar vertebral pathologic fracture... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nip Needle Biopsy Question in the Bud
Question: The radiologist first used an anterior approach (19-gauge coaxial needle) to a l... Read more
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