Radiology Guidelines and Terms

Questions and Answers

Which code should be used for injections performed during a CT or MR arthrography without prior radiographic arthrography?

Only the imaging guidance code

The appropriate joint injection code and imaging guidance code (correct)

The joint injection code only

The imaging guidance code and the imaging code

What is included in a 'with contrast' procedure for spine examinations?

Only intravenous contrast injection

Only intrathecal injection

Oral and rectal contrast administration

Intravascular and intrathecal contrast injection (correct)

Which of the following statements about oral and rectal contrast administration is true?

It is included in CT procedures

It qualifies as a study 'with contrast'

It does not qualify as a study 'with contrast' (correct)

It is part of the imaging guidance code

What must be included as part of a radiologic procedure or interpretation?

A signed written report Signup and view all the answers

Which additional code should be used for intrathecal injection during spine examinations?

61055 or 62284 Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by appending modifier 59 to a procedure code?

The procedure is unrelated or distinct from other services. Signup and view all the answers

When should an 'Unlisted Procedure' code be used?

When the procedure is not described in the current CPT edition. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'with contrast' refer to in procedure codes?

Intravascular, intraparticularly, or intrathecally administered contrast material. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included for both imaging services and radiological supervision?

Separate interpretation and image documentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario accurately represents a 'Separate Procedure'?

An unrelated procedure done on the same day as other services. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following codes can be reported for radiography when image guidance is not included?

Radiological supervision and interpretation codes. Signup and view all the answers

What must be performed if a radiographic arthrography is conducted?

Arthrography supervision and interpretation code must also be reported. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about image guidance is incorrect?

Image guidance services are always separately reportable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiology Guidelines and Terms

Separate Procedure: A procedure can be reported independently if deemed distinct from other services. Modifier 59 is used to indicate it is not part of another procedure.
Unlisted Procedure: When a service is not found in the CPT® codebook, report it using an "Unlisted Procedure" code, accompanied by a "Special Report."
Supervision and Interpretation:
- Imaging may be needed during procedures; some may require surgical access.
- Image guidance is often included in service descriptors and is not separately reportable.
- Codes for "radiological supervision and interpretation" can be reported when imaging is not included in a procedure.
Administration of Contrast Material:
- "With contrast" signifies the use of contrast material via intravascular, intraparticularly, or intrathecally.
- Use specific codes for intra-articular injections and arthrography assessments which include supervision and interpretation.
- CT or MR arthrography without radiographic arthrography requires joint injection codes alongside imaging guidance codes.
- For spine imaging procedures, "with contrast" includes intrathecal or intravascular injections; additional codes (61055 or 62284) may be required for intrathecal injections.
Injection of Contrast: Intravascular contrast is included as part of "with contrast" procedural codes for CT, CTA, MRI, and MRA.
- Oral or rectal contrast does not qualify as "with contrast" studies.
Written Reporting: A signed written report, whether handwritten or electronic, is essential and considered an integral component of radiologic interpretation and procedures.

Description

This quiz covers the radiology guidelines concerning separate procedures. It explains when a procedure can be reported independently and how to utilize modifier 59 appropriately. Test your knowledge on the distinctions and reporting requirements within radiological practices.