AMA CPT® Assistant - 2007 Issue 11 (November)
Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) (November 2007)
November 2007 page 9c Coding Communication: Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Question: What is the appropriate CPT code to report for a limited hepatic magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the liver, which is performed to quantify hepatic fat content? Answer: The existing MRI abdomen without contrast code 74181 , Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, abdomen; without contrast material(s) , accurately describes this very limited examination of the liver performed primarily to quantify hepatic fat content. Because this is a very limited examination, modifier 52, Reduced services , should be appended to CPT code 74181 . Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) (November 2007). CPT®...
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Article Overview
This article is a short radiology coding communication from CPT Assistant that addresses a diagnostic imaging scenario involving a limited liver MRI. It is useful for radiology coders, billing staff, and clinicians who document imaging services, because it discusses the general coding context for a limited abdominal MRI exam and the modifier concepts referenced in the communication.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology imaging services can require careful alignment between the documented exam and the code reported. This piece helps readers understand the scope of the coding discussion and the broad documentation considerations highlighted by the CPT Assistant communication.
What You Will Learn
- The radiology imaging scenario addressed in the CPT Assistant communication.
- How the article frames a limited MRI study of the liver within a broader abdominal MRI coding context.
- Which general coding topics and modifier concepts are discussed in connection with the exam.
- The type of guidance provided for diagnostic radiology reporting in this case.
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Medical billing staff
- Health information management professionals
- Physicians and imaging providers
- Compliance teams
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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