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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

74270 Isn't for Barium Only

Published on Mon Jan 11, 2010

Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for an enema that uses water-soluble contrast with iodine? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: You should report the same code you would use for the more commonly performed barium enema: 74270 (Radiologic examination, colon; contrast [e.g., barium] enema, with or without KUB). A physician may choose a water-soluble contrast if she suspects the patient has a perforation of the colon, for example. -- The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Michele Midkiff, CPC-I, PCS, RCC, executive director of Coding Affiliates Inc., an interventional and neuro-interventional radiology coding service in Mountain View, Calif.
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