Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Rate Your Reformatting Skills

Published on Thu Sep 10, 2009

Question: My report documents axial CT slices from the orbits to the thoracic inlet and of the larynx. And there are sagittal and coronal computer reconstruction images. Which CPT codes should I report? Florida Subscriber Answer: You'll need only one CPT code for this report: 70491 (Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; with contrast material[s]). You should not report reconstruction codes 76376- 76377 (3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography ...) because converting axial scans into the coronal and sagittal planes is 2D reformatting, which you should not report separately. Codes 76376 and 76377, as the descriptors indicate, are specific to 3D reformatting.
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 your eNewsletter
  • 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
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All