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Radiology Coding Alert

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32422 With X-Ray? Here's Where to Find Official Guidance

Published on Tue Apr 03, 2012

Comply with these PET, bone imaging, and vertebroplasty rules, too.You may find answers to your coding questions in an often overlooked place: the NCCI Policy Manual for Medicare Services. This manual for Medicare's National Correct Coding Initiative (aka NCCI or CCI) includes information on both general CCI concepts and explanations of code-specific edits.Try your hand at four questions, and then learn where to look in the manual to support your coding choices.1. Examine Chest Tube X-Ray OptionsScenario: The radiologist performs a pleural tap and places a chest tube. He then interprets the X-ray taken to confirm the tube's position. You should report: A. 32422 (Thoracentesis with insertion of tube, includes water seal [e.g., for pneumothorax], when performed [separate procedure])B. 32422, 71020 (Radiologic examination, chest, 2 views, frontal and lateral)C. 32422, 71020-26 (Professional component)D. 32422, 71020-26-59 (Distinct procedural service)Solution: A. You should report only 32422. The CCI manual addresses this issue [...]
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