Radiology Question for the Week of July 16, 2018

Question:

Should we code and bill for shoulder arthrography prior to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure?

Answer:

Only code and bill for a radiographic arthrogram if a full and complete study is performed. Generally, it is common practice to inject the shoulder joint under fluoroscopic guidance without arthrography then send the patient for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The following codes would be assigned for the injection followed by MRI arthrography. One or two images to check needle placement is not considered an arthrogram.

23350

Injection procedure for shoulder arthrography or enhanced computed tomography (CT)/MRI shoulder arthrography

+77002

Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

73222

Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, any joint of upper extremity; with contrast material(s)

This question was answered in an edition of our Radiology Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to radiology services, please view our store, or call us at 1.800.252.1578 ext. 2.

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Radiology Question for the Week of July 16, 2018

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