Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Which code should I report for a four-view abdominal x-ray?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: The answer depends on the types of views, rather than the number. Depending on the radiologist's documentation, you will choose from the following codes:

• 74010 -- Radiologic examination, abdomen; anteroposterior and additional oblique and cone views

• 74020 -- ... complete, including decubitus and/or erect views

• 74022 -- ... complete acute abdomen series, including supine, erect and/or decubitus views, single view chest.

Bottom line: You need to see documentation of the view types -- anteroposterior, oblique, cone, decubitus, erect, supine -- to accurately choose among these codes.