READER QUESTIONS:
Require View Type, Not Just Number
Published on Wed Jun 06, 2007
Question: My documentation shows five spine views. May I report 72052 for this?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: Unfortunately, you don't have enough information to report 72052 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; complete, including oblique and flexion and/or extension studies).
The provider didn't document the types of views, so you can't tell whether she performed a complete series.
Let your providers know that documenting the types of views--not just the number--is essential for you to choose the proper code.
If the doctor dictates only five cervical spine views, the highest code you can assign is 72050 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum of four views). To report a complete series with 72052, the study must include oblique and flexion and/or extension views. If she doesn't document these views, your code automatically defaults to 72050. The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Jackie Miller, RHIA, CPC, senior consultant with Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.
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