Question:
When it comes to the new 2022 radiology directives, how is a foreign body defined?
Answer:
For a foreign body/implant, the definition is explained as follows: An object intentionally placed by a physician or other qualified health care professional for any purpose (eg, diagnostic or therapeutic) is considered an implant. An object that is unintentionally placed (eg, trauma or ingestion) is considered a foreign body. If an implant (or part thereof) has moved from its original position or is structurally broken and no longer serves its intended purpose or presents a hazard to the patient, it qualifies as a foreign body for coding purposes, unless CPT® coding instructions direct otherwise or a specific CPT code exists to describe the removal of that broken/moved implant.
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