General Question for the Week of July 27, 2020

Question:

If you are coding a computed tomography (CT) with contrast exam, and the contrast amount and type is given within the technique, but the words “with IV contrast” are not specifically used, does this suffice for the with contrast requirements?

Answer:

The route of administration must be in the medical record somewhere. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the report itself, but if it’s not, then the coder has to run around to guarantee it was IV contrast (or intrathecal for spine exams or intra-articular for joint exams). In the report, it is best practice for the physician to dictate the type of contrast, the amount that is given, and the route of administration.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

CPT® copyright 2023 American Medical Association (AMA). All rights reserved.

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Happy World Health Day! Our exclusive webcast, ‘2024 SDoH Update: Navigating Coding and Screening Assessment,’  is just $99 for a limited time! Use code WorldHealth24 at checkout.

SPRING INTO SAVINGS! Get 21% OFF during our exclusive two-day sale starting 3/21/2024. Use SPRING24 at checkout to claim this offer. Click here to learn more →