AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2006 Issue 2 (Spring)
MRI of Brain With Emphasis on Internal Auditory Canals
MRI of Brain With Emphasis on Internal Auditory Canals Clinical History Left side sensory neural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Clinical concern for acoustic schwannoma. Technique Sequences include axial fast spin-echo T2, inversion recovery diffusion weighted Q9952 70553 images of the entire brain and thin-section axial T2 and coronal gadoliniumenhanced T1 images targeted to the internal auditory canal region. Scans were performed both before and following the intravenous infusion of gadolinium DTPA. There is no prior examination for comparison. Comment The ventricular system is normal in caliber; there is no midline shift. Signals throughout the brain are normal in...
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Article Overview
This article explains how a brain MRI study focused on the internal auditory canals is described and coded in a radiology context. It is aimed at radiology coders, technologists, and billing staff who need to understand how the exam is categorized, how contrast supply reporting is handled, and which imaging sequences are considered part of the base study. The discussion also places the guidance in the context of ACR coding publications and Medicare-related contrast reporting changes.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly identifying the study type and associated supply reporting helps support consistent radiology coding and documentation. The article also clarifies how common MRI sequences and limited views of nearby anatomy are treated within a brain MRI report.
Article Sections
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Clinical History
Summarizes the patient presentation and the clinical concern prompting the MRI examination.
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Technique
Describes the imaging approach used for the examination, including general sequence categories and contrast administration context.
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Comment
Reviews the reported imaging findings and the general interpretation of the brain and nearby structures.
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Impression
States the overall exam impression and notes associated sinus findings.
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How to Code
Provides the coding summary associated with the exam and the supply reporting referenced in the article.
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Discussion
Explains the broader coding context for brain MRI studies, including contrast supply reporting and routine sequence handling.
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Endnote
Cites the supporting coding source referenced by the article.
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References
Lists related coding source references and related MRI topics.
What You Will Learn
- How a brain MRI with attention to the internal auditory canals is generally categorized for coding purposes
- How contrast agent reporting is discussed in relation to MRI supply coding
- Which MRI sequences are described as routine components of the study
- How nearby anatomy included in the study is treated in the coding discussion
- What contextual ACR and Medicare-related references are mentioned
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Radiologists
- Medical coding educators
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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