AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2018 Issue 2 (Spring)
Modified Barium Swallow Study
RADIOLOGY TEST CASE Modified Barium Swallow Study The radiology test case is provided for coding professionals to test their knowledge. Please take some time to review and code the case. Consider your answers as to how the procedure is reported in 2018. Once you are confident with your answer, turn to page 14 for the correct answer and discussion. PROCEDURE Modified barium swallow study. CLINICAL HISTORY Dysphagia. TECHNIQUE A fluoroscopic swallowing examination was performed in conjunction with the speech–language pathologist. Various liquid and semisolid consistencies were used to assess swallowing. FINDINGS There is laryngeal penetration without tracheal aspiration. IMPRESSION...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article presents a radiology test case centered on a modified barium swallow study, with clinical context, technique, findings, and a prompt to code the case for the referenced year. It is intended for coding professionals who want to understand how the study is documented and how the scenario is approached in a coding exercise. The piece is useful for readers working in radiology coding, speech-language pathology-adjacent documentation review, and related reimbursement or reporting workflows.
Why This Topic Matters
Swallowing studies can be documented in ways that require careful review of the exam type, clinical context, and associated reporting details. This case helps coding professionals evaluate how a fluoroscopic swallowing examination is presented in practice.
Article Sections
-
Procedure
Introduces the study performed and frames the exam at a high level.
-
Clinical History
Summarizes the documented reason for the examination.
-
Technique
Describes the general imaging approach and the participation of other clinical staff.
-
Findings
Presents the observed results from the swallowing examination.
-
Impression
Restates the key diagnostic takeaway from the study.
What You Will Learn
- How a modified barium swallow study is presented in a radiology coding case
- What kinds of documentation elements are included in the example
- How the article frames the coding review process for a specific reporting year
- How exam details are organized for coding analysis
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Coding auditors
- HIM professionals
- Revenue cycle staff
- Clinical documentation reviewers
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com