Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

7 Cervical Views Not Always 72052

Question: If documentation shows seven cervical spine views but doesn't mention oblique, flexion or extension, may I still report 72052?Kansas SubscriberAnswer: No. The documentation should specify obliques and flexion, obliques and extension, or all three view types for you to report 72052 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; complete, including oblique and flexion and/or extension studies).Without documentation of these specific views, you should report 72050 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum of four views), which describes four or more cervical spine views.Be sure your providers understand that they need to document both the types and number of views for you to choose the most accurate code.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All