AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2015 Issue 2 (Spring)
Breast Ultrasound Limited–Elastography
CLINICAL EXAMPLE 2 Breast Ultrasound Limited–Elastography CLINICAL HISTORY Palpable mass in the left breast; abnormal mammogram; history of breast cancer. TECHNIQUE Real-time ultrasound with elastography. FINDINGS Situated at the 12 o'clock position in the posterior third of the left breast approximately 6 cm from the nipple is a hypoechoic ovoid mass. It is 0.9 cm tall and 0.6 cm wide, with edge features of microlobulation and slight spiculation. There is slightly enhanced posterior sound transmission. Internal vascularity is seen with color flow ultrasound imaging. Elasticity assessment is performed by means of manually facilitated strain elastography. The results...
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Article Overview
This premium article explains a breast ultrasound limited-elastography clinical example and places it in the broader context of elastography coding guidance. It is aimed at coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who work with breast imaging, ultrasound, and CPT reporting. The article covers the role of elastography, the distinction between imaging and non-imaging elastography, and how related ultrasound and add-on CPT codes are discussed in the source material.
Why This Topic Matters
Ultrasound elastography is a specialized imaging service that can affect how breast ultrasound encounters are documented and reported. Understanding the related CPT framework helps readers recognize the coding context for elastography services and avoid confusion between procedure types.
Article Sections
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Clinical Example 2
A breast imaging clinical example with patient presentation, technique, findings, impression, and recommendation. It illustrates the diagnostic context for ultrasound elastography in breast evaluation.
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How to Code
A coding-focused section that identifies the primary ultrasound service and the related add-on elastography code. It provides the immediate coding context tied to the clinical example.
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Discussion
Broader background on elastography as an imaging technology, including its use across anatomic areas and how the article frames related CPT guidance. It also references the relationship between imaging-based and non-imaging elastography within the coding discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a breast ultrasound elastography clinical example
- The general coding context for ultrasound elastography services
- How the article distinguishes imaging-based elastography from non-imaging elastography
- Which broader ultrasound code families are mentioned in relation to elastography
- Why elastography matters in breast imaging documentation and coding
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Radiology coders
- Breast imaging staff
- Billing professionals
- Clinical documentation specialists
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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