AMA CPT® Assistant - 2005 Issue 10 (October)
Coding Clarification: Radiology (June 2005)
June 2005 pages 10-13 Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers Radiology, 78814, 78816 (Q&A) This coding clarification relates to a Q&A published in the February 2005 CPT Assistant that reads as follows: Question With regard to the newly added 2005 codes range 78814 - 78816 , does "concurrently acquired" indicate this series is reported for imaging equipment that encompass both the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed tomography (CT) camera in one machine? AMA Comment Yes, from a CPT coding perspective, codes 78814 - 78816 are reported for the PET and CT images simultaneously acquired on the same machine...
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Article Overview
This article reviews a radiology coding clarification from CPT Assistant focused on PET/CT imaging and the terminology used to describe concurrent image acquisition. It is aimed at coding professionals, radiology staff, and compliance teams who need to understand the scope of the discussion, the related CPT code series, and the circumstances addressed in the update. The article also covers the broader workflow and reporting context described in the clarification.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand a coding issue involving PET/CT studies and why the terminology in the supporting guidance was updated. This is relevant for accurate radiology coding, documentation review, and compliance awareness.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
An overview of the Q&A format used in the clarification and the radiology topic it addresses. It introduces the coding issue discussed in the accompanying response.
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AMA Comment
The formal response included with the clarification, covering the general interpretation of the imaging discussion and the related CPT context.
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Intra-service work associated with the 78814-78816 code series
A broader discussion of the service components and workflow described for this CPT code series. It addresses the imaging process, physician involvement, and report creation at a high level.
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Use of the CT portion when diagnostic CT is performed
A follow-up discussion describing how the CT component is treated when additional diagnostic imaging is performed in the same setting. It explains the reporting context at a general level.
What You Will Learn
- How a radiology coding clarification is structured in a Q&A format
- What broad topics are addressed in the PET/CT imaging discussion
- How the article frames the relationship between imaging workflow and reporting
- What general circumstances are discussed for concurrent diagnostic imaging
- Which coding references and modifiers are part of the clarification
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Coding auditors
- Compliance staff
- Physician practice administrators
- Radiology department staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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