AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2015 Issue 2 (Spring)
Questions and Answers
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Question Answer Neuro-oncologists are requesting an MRI scan of the brain and MRI with perfusion imaging of the brain for patients to follow disease progression and to assess treatment-related changes following chemo or radiation therapy. Please advise how MRI with perfusion imaging is coded. Is it reported in addition to a diagnostic MRI scan (ie, in conjunction with one of the brain MRI codes 70551 , 70552 , or 70553 )? The CPT code descriptors for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies do not specify the number or type of sequences that constitute a complete study. The number and...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article compiles coding questions and answers for radiology services, with emphasis on MRI, PET/MRI fusion, breast ultrasound, prostate imaging with fusion guidance, and nuclear medicine imaging. It is useful for coders, radiology practices, and billing staff who need a general understanding of how the article frames reporting for complex imaging scenarios and related code-set references.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology coding often involves multiple modalities and overlapping services, so clarifying the article’s scope helps readers quickly determine whether it covers the imaging workflow or code sets they need to review.
Article Sections
-
MRI of the brain with perfusion imaging
Discusses a brain MRI scenario involving perfusion imaging and how the topic is addressed within MRI reporting. The section focuses on the general coding context for this type of exam.
-
PET/MRI fusion
Covers coding questions related to fused PET and MRI studies and references payer and coverage considerations. The discussion centers on the imaging combination and related reporting context.
-
Breast ultrasound coding
Addresses breast ultrasound coding questions arising after screening mammography and follow-up imaging. The section compares broader and more limited study scenarios at a high level.
-
MRI and ultrasound fusion for prostate biopsy guidance
Reviews a prostate imaging workflow involving MRI data transfer and fusion with ultrasound for biopsy guidance. The section also touches on the related imaging and procedural coding context.
-
Cardiac amyloidosis imaging with SPECT
Discusses nuclear medicine imaging for cardiac amyloidosis, including the associated study type and radiopharmaceutical reporting context. The section is focused on the general imaging service described in the question.
What You Will Learn
- How the article organizes common radiology coding questions by imaging modality
- Which topics are covered for MRI, PET/MRI fusion, breast ultrasound, prostate biopsy guidance, and SPECT imaging
- The general types of coding and reporting issues discussed for complex imaging scenarios
- Which code sets are referenced in connection with the questions and answers
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Hospital and physician billing staff
- Radiology practice administrators
- Compliance and reimbursement staff
- Medical coding professionals
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com