Anatomic combination is key to 74176-74178
The creation of 74176-74178 is one of the big coding changes this year. The codes are:
The creation of 74176-74178 is one of the big coding changes this year. The codes are:
74176 -- Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; without contrast material
74177 -- with contrast material(s)
74178 -- without contrast material in one or both body regions, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections in one or both body regions.
According to a presentation at the AMA's 2011 CPT and RBRVS Symposium in Chicago, patients often have imaging of the abdomen and pelvis carried out at the same setting, and the intent of the just-in CPT codes 2011 is to reflect this reality. Emphasis was given on the importance of using the new codes and not unbundling the abdominal and pelvic services when they are carried out at the same session. One should select just one code for the entire session.
Summary: If you are reporting an abdominal CT alone or a pelvic CT alone, your coding will remain the same this year. You will continue to choose either a pelvic code from 72192-72194 or an abdominal code from 74150-74170.
However if the abdominal and pelvic CTs are carried out at the same session, you should go for the single code from 74176-74178 that represents the services provided. You shouldn't additionally report a code from 72192-72194 (pelvis) or from 74150-74170 (abdomen).
Do not miss 74178 reporting opportunities
The guidelines are particularly helpful in deciphering how to use 74178, which would perhaps be more clearly worded as "without contrast material in one or both body regions, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections in the other body region or both body regions."
According to a chart provided by CPT, 74178 is apt when the patient has:
According to a presentation at the AMA's 2011 CPT and RBRVS Symposium in Chicago, patients often have imaging of the abdomen and pelvis carried out at the same setting, and the intent of the just-in CPT codes 2011 is to reflect this reality. Emphasis was given on the importance of using the new codes and not unbundling the abdominal and pelvic services when they are carried out at the same session. One should select just one code for the entire session.
Summary: If you are reporting an abdominal CT alone or a pelvic CT alone, your coding will remain the same this year. You will continue to choose either a pelvic code from 72192-72194 or an abdominal code from 74150-74170.
However if the abdominal and pelvic CTs are carried out at the same session, you should go for the single code from 74176-74178 that represents the services provided. You shouldn't additionally report a code from 72192-72194 (pelvis) or from 74150-74170 (abdomen).
Do not miss 74178 reporting opportunities
The guidelines are particularly helpful in deciphering how to use 74178, which would perhaps be more clearly worded as "without contrast material in one or both body regions, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections in the other body region or both body regions."
According to a chart provided by CPT, 74178 is apt when the patient has:
An abdominal CT without contrast followed by a pelvic CT with contrast
An abdominal CT without contrast and a pelvic CT without contrast followed by a pelvic CT with contrast
A pelvic CT without contrast followed by an abdominal CT with contrast
A pelvic CT without contrast and an abdominal CT without contrast followed by an abdominal CT with contrast
Pelvic and abdominal CTs without contrast followed by pelvic and abdominal CTs with contrast.
For More Information :- http://www.supercoder.com/coding-newsletters/my-radiology-coding-alert/cpt-2011-74176-74178-use-becomes-clearer-with-these-tips-article
For More Information :- http://www.supercoder.com/coding-newsletters/my-radiology-coding-alert/cpt-2011-74176-74178-use-becomes-clearer-with-these-tips-article
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