Radiology Question for the Week of June 4, 2018

Question:

What code(s) are assigned for an injection of contrast into the knee joint (or into the hip joint) using fluoro prior to computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

Answer:

Report one of the following arthrogram injection codes (depending on the joint):

27370

Injection of contrast for knee arthrography

27093

Injection procedure for hip arthrography; without anesthesia

In addition, you should report 77002 for the fluoro guidance unless you do a full/true radiographic arthrogram prior to the MRI or CT (then you would report the arthrogram supervision and interpretation [S & I] 73525 for the hip or 73580 for the knee).

77002

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

73525

Radiologic examination, hip, arthrography, radiological S & I

73580

Radiologic examination, knee, arthrography, radiological S & I

Do not report 77002 plus 73525 or 73580.

The subsequent MRI or CT would be “with contrast” exams.

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 June 4, 2018

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