AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2012 Issue 3 (Summer)
Q&As
Questions and Answers Question: Answer: Can a radiologist bill evaluation and management (E/M) services in conjunction with code 77059 for reviewing the breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the patient in an office setting? No. A radiologist should not report an E/M code when the findings of a breast MRI procedure are discussed with the patient in an office or any other setting. Discussing the findings of a diagnostic procedure with the patient and/or the patient's referring physician is considered part of the diagnostic procedure. The guidelines for reporting E/M services can be found on the Centers for...
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Article Overview
This article presents a set of practical radiology coding questions and answers focused on imaging and procedure reporting. It covers common outpatient and diagnostic scenarios involving breast MRI follow-up discussion, renal and obstetric ultrasound reporting, specimen imaging, spine radiography, and ablation services. The piece is useful for radiologists, coders, and billing staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the code sets referenced in these examples.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers recognize when radiology services are considered part of a procedure versus separately reportable, and it clarifies how certain imaging scenarios are categorized within CPT-based guidance. It also highlights where follow-up, limited versus complete examinations, and procedure-specific imaging guidance are discussed in a coding context.
Article Sections
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Questions and Answers
A series of radiology coding questions addressing common reporting scenarios across diagnostic imaging and interventional services.
What You Will Learn
- How the article approaches radiology coding questions in a Q&A format
- Which broad imaging and procedure scenarios are discussed in relation to CPT guidance
- How the article frames follow-up, limited, and complete examinations at a high level
- What types of radiology services and imaging guidance topics are covered
Who Should Read This
- Radiologists
- Radiology coders
- Medical billers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Coding educators
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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