Question:
If the dictated report states “CT volumetric acquisition was performed,” should a CTA study be reported?
Answer:
No. A CTA code should not be reported simply because the report specifies CT volumetric acquisition. The definition of CTA and the obligate three-dimensional (3D) rendering revolve around how the data are obtained and post-processed. A CT code should be reported if the dictation does not specify that a 3D postprocessing technique was used: maximum intensity projection (MIP), surface-shaded rendering, or volume rendering. If volume rendering is clinically indicated and performed on a nonangiographic CT study, CPT code 76376 (3D rendering on a scanner) or code 76377 (3D rendering on a separate image processor) should be reported in addition to the CT code for the anatomic region evaluated.
This question was answered in our CT/MR Coder. For more hot topics relating to radiology services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.