Mri & Ct Scans

[abishard]

I code for a diagnostic imaging center. We are trying to find information in regards to billing for contrast for MRI & CT. We are trying to find out if we can actually bill for this if it is not payable? Does anyone have any information on this?

 

[heatherwinters]

Contrast Material

Check out this link for some guidance:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/EOG/downloads/EO 0050.pdf


"Effective January 1, 2007 With the implementation for calendar year 2007 of a bottom-up methodology, which utilizes the direct inputs to determine the practice expense (PE) relative value units (RVUs), the cost of the contrast media is not included in the PE RVUs. Therefore, a separate payment for the contrast media used in various imaging procedures is paid. In addition to the CPT code representing the imaging procedure, separately bill the appropriate HCPCS “Q” code (Q9945 – Q9954; Q9958-Q9964) for the contrast medium utilized in performing the service."

Hope this helps.

 

[codegirl0422]

You can bill for contrast, however, reimbursement sometimes is not worth the trouble. We used to bill contrast for CT and MRI and Medicare was only paying .01-.05 cents. There were many commerical insurances that would not pay, they bundled with imaging procedure.