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Radiology Coding Alert

Bone Up on Density Study Bundles

Published on Sun Jul 24, 2005

NCCI 11.2 says it doesn't make sense for you to report these tests together Before you code multiple density studies, double-check these mutually exclusive edits to be sure you can report the codes together. If you try to report the column 1 and column 2 codes together, payers will only reimburse you for the less extensive procedure.

The bone density study edits reflect policies already held by private carriers, such as Blue Cross of Georgia. More than a year ago, that payer published a policy saying DXA screening for vertebral fractures (76077) is an adjunct to bone mineral density measurement, so you won't be paid for 76077, says Jeff Fulkerson, BA, CPC, senior certified coder in the radiology department of Emory Health Care in Atlanta.
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