AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2024 Issue 2 (Spring)
Obstetric Ultrasound
Spring 2024 pages 16-18 DOCUMENTATION CHALLENGE: Reports that fail to adequately support the coding for the procedure performed not only have serious implications for fraud and abuse but also may negatively affect how the physician can report the procedure. In each issue, you will be provided with a documentation challenge. This documentation challenge will serve as a learning tool for both coders and physicians. Obstetric Ultrasound CLINICAL INDICATION A 24-year-old pregnant female with uncertain dates. PROCEDURE Obstetric ultrasound <14 weeks with transvaginal imaging. COMPARISON None. TECHNIQUE Multiple transabdominal and transvaginal longitudinal and transverse two-dimensional (2D) real-time ultrasound images through...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article uses an obstetric ultrasound documentation example to explain how coding depends on the service documented in the report and what information is needed to distinguish among related CPT ultrasound options. It is aimed at coders, physicians, and other staff involved in ultrasound documentation and coding review, with guidance grounded in CPT and ACR reference material.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate obstetric ultrasound coding depends on matching the documented procedure to the reported service. This article helps readers understand why incomplete or mixed documentation can affect code selection and compliance review.
Article Sections
-
Spring 2024 pages 16-18
Issue and page information for the documentation challenge example.
-
Documentation Challenge
Introductory framing about why documentation quality matters for coding review and compliance.
-
Obstetric Ultrasound
The clinical example, procedure note, and imaging findings presented for coding review.
-
How to Code
General discussion of the documentation elements needed to support the appropriate CPT ultrasound selection.
-
Discussion
Narrative explanation comparing related obstetric ultrasound code options and the documentation support described in the article.
-
Sources
Reference sources cited by the article, including CPT and ACR materials.
What You Will Learn
- How an obstetric ultrasound report is evaluated for coding relevance
- Which documentation elements are needed to support an obstetric ultrasound service
- How the article frames related CPT ultrasound categories
- How supporting references from CPT and ACR are used in the discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Physicians
- Radiology staff
- Obstetric ultrasound documentation reviewers
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com