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Radiology Coding Alert

READER QUESTION:

Mammography Codes Include All Views

Published on Sun Jun 01, 2003

Question: We performed diagnostic right breast mammography with additional views to determine whether a patient had a posterior nodule. How should we report the additional views? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: Because you performed diagnostic mammography on only the right breast, you should report 76090 (Mammography; unilateral). You should not report extra codes to describe the additional views because the diagnostic mammography codes include all views required to complete the study. The July 1996 CPT Assistant states, "A diagnostic mammography (represented by codes 76090 and 76091) involves obtaining exposures of the breast to provide specific analytical information that will be used in problem-solving for a suspected disease." In addition, CPT Assistant states that these mammography codes require "attention to detail and may include repeat routines, as well as additional procedures."
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