Radiology Coding Alert

Question: May I use code 36000 in an office setting with CT procedures for abdomen and pelvis?


Oregon Subscriber


Answer: CPT guidelines and NCCI tell you to proceed with caution when coding CTs with contrast - in most cases you can't use this code if the provider starts the peripheral IV specifically to facilitate the performance of the CT study.

The CPT manual states that injection of intravascular contrast is part of any CT, CTA, MRI or MRA exam performed with contrast (See the Guidelines in the Radiology chapter of CPT.) Self-defense: You should not report 36000 (Introduction of needle or intracatheter, vein) or an injection code for administration of contrast for these exams, including CTs of the abdomen and pelvis in the office setting.

NCCI edits also say that 36000 is bundled into these CTs when you perform them with contrast or without contrast followed by contrast. Example: If you report 36000 along with 74160 (Computed tomography, abdomen; with contrast materials[s]), and they aren't separate services, your payer will only reimburse you for the more extensive 74160.