HIDA Scan CPT code 78226 & 78227 Coding Guidelines

Best coding tips for CPT code 78226 & 78227

Basics of HIDA scan CPT code 78226 and 78227 Hepatobiliary system nuclear imaging tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine using a radioactive tracer that highlights the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder if the gallbladder has not been surgically removed. This procedure may also be referred to as a HIDA scan, which stands for hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan. The procedure (CPT code 78226 & 78227) is performed to evaluate liver function, specifically bile production and excretion, and to evaluate the drainage system (bile…

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When to use CPT code 78579, 78580, 78582, 78597 & 78598

When to use Lung Perfusion and Ventilation Scan CPT codes

Basics of Lung Perfusion and Ventilation CPT codes There are two components of lung function, ventilation and perfusion. Ventilation refers to the ability of air to reach all areas of the lung. The perfusion scan measures the blood supply through the lungs. A ventilation and perfusion scan is most often done to detect a pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs). It is also used to detect abnormal circulation (shunts) in the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary vessels) In medical coding, different procedure codes are assigned for reporting Lung perfusion and ventilation scan exam. CPT code 78579…

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CPT code 78707 & 78708 for Renal Scan with Lasix Coding tips

CPT code for Renal Scan with Lasix

Basics about Renal Scan with Lasix Procedure code In Radiology, there are a lot of nuclear medicine procedures which are coded regularly by radiology coders. Use of different pharmaceutical agents is common for performing the nuclear medicine exams. For example, the bone scan procedure with CPT code 78300, 78305, 78306 which are also performed with the injection of radio-pharmaceutical agents. Today we will learn about similar CPT code 78707, 78708 & 78709, used in renal scan. Even for Renal scan procedure the codes have been differentiated with or without use…

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Superb Coding tips for Brain Imaging Studies

Superb Coding tips for Brain Imaging Studies

Basics of CPT code 78600 & 78601 Brain imaging in nuclear medicine provides functional diagnostic information of the central nervous system. Brain imaging is particularly useful when paired with information from a patient’s clinical evaluation and other brain imaging studies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In medical coding, we have separate procedure codes for brain imaging studies.  78600 – Brain imaging, less than 4 static views; 78601 – Brain imaging, less than 4 static views; with vascular flow Before we move ahead, let us check some similar…

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Use of NCCI edit in Radiology for Medical coders

Use of NCCI edit with Procedure codes We know that there are few procedures, which have to be coded with modifiers to provide extra information regarding the procedure performed. As there are many procedures can be done on same day if the diagnosis is not by found easily, hence is such can procedures overlap each other and the payment to the physician is affected. So, to solve this overlap condition we use modifiers to modify the procedure and give certain critical information performed before, during or after the procedures. Let…

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Superb tips for Breast Tomosynthesis CPT codes

Superb tips for Breast Tomosynthesis New CPT codes

Basic about  Breast Tomosynthesis cpt codes Digital 3-D breast imaging (tomosynthesis) is able to diagnose smaller lumps and to lower false positives. Input from multiple radiology groups prompted creation of the diagnostic (77061 and 77062) and screening (77063) tomosynthesis codes in order to describe the additional resources involved with the newer technology. Breast procedures are always little complicated like breast biopsy, ultrasound exam. But, if once you understood the whole concept, it is easy to apply these codes.   Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also know as three-dimensional (3D) mammography, creates…

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CPT code 74220 vs 74230 vs 70370 : Modified Barium Swallow

CPT code for Barium Swallow modified Coding guide

Basic – Cpt Code 74220/74230 Modified Barium Swallow Barium swallow studies are coded very frequently in radiology. Studies related to esophagus are done with Barium swallow. Any problem with food swallowing procedures always make physicians to test with barium swallow studies. Esophagram has two CPT codes 74220 and 74230, normal Barium swallow and Modified Barium swallow. Both are done to find any abnormalities like hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux (K21.9), related to swallowing function of esophagus. GI reflux and hiatal hernia always fulfill the medical necessity of modified barium swallow cpt…

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