Radiology Question for the Week of August 19, 2024
Please clarify whether a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram should be performed on an asymptomatic patient with augmented breasts (e.g., breast implants).
Please clarify whether a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram should be performed on an asymptomatic patient with augmented breasts (e.g., breast implants).
How do you code for a screening mammogram when additional magnification views are required for a suspected abnormality? May I code both a diagnostic mammogram and a screening mammogram?
What CPT codes are appropriate for US of the right face to evaluate venous malformation?
A physician ordered an ultrasound study to check for abdominal ascites and asked the skin be marked if the ultrasound study is positive. The ordering physician, subsequently, did the paracentesis procedure at the bedside “without” imaging guidance based on the skin markings. How are these studies reported?
A patient had two different gray-scale ultrasound exams (76536) completed at the same encounter; one for thyroid nodules and one to evaluate a soft-tissue lump on the patient’s jawline. Can we bill for both of these exams separately?
What do we code for soft tissue ultrasound?
If left and right ultrasound exams for pleural effusions is performed, is it appropriate to report two units of code 76604? The code description states “includes mediastinum,” does that make it a unilateral or bilateral code?
An “ultrasound abdomen complete” (76700) is ordered with the indication of “Abdominal pain, evaluate for Umbilical Hernia.” The hernia images are not included in our protocol for abdomen complete, but we are adding them anyway. Should we be adding an abdominal limited code, one quadrant (76705), along with the abdomen complete code 76700, or does the complete include an evaluation of hernia?
We received a patient from the ER who presented with severe pelvic pain. The HCG indicated pregnancy, but there was no intrauterine pregnancy so an ectopic is suspected. What is the correct CPT® code for this scenario?
How should reimbursement be handled when a SPECT code is reported with a whole body code?
If the intent of the procedure is to place a PICC line but this cannot be done, and the catheter is advanced only into a peripheral vein can this be coded as a PICC with a -52 modifier?
be separately reported?
Can imaging guidance for central venous access catheter or device placement
be separately reported?
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