AMA CPT® Assistant - 2011 Issue 2 (February)
Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) (Q&A) (February 2011)
February 2011 page 9b Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Question: CPT codes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the upper and lower extremities divided into codes for studies of the joint and nonjoint. CPT codes for computed tomography (CT of the upper and lower extremities are not divided in such detail, as their descriptors reference the broader terms of upper extremity or lower extremity. An MRI of the left elbow without contrast and an MRI of the left humerus without contrast are captured by two CPT codes, ie, 73221 for the elbow and 73218 for the humerus. What...
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Article Overview
This short radiology coding article addresses a question about diagnostic imaging of the upper extremity and compares how MRI and CT are discussed at a general reporting level. It is relevant to coders, billers, and radiology staff who work with CPT-based imaging reporting and want to understand the scope of the guidance in this Q&A format.
Why This Topic Matters
Imaging studies of the same anatomic region can raise reporting questions when multiple areas are examined during one encounter. This article helps readers determine whether the full Q&A is relevant to their radiology coding workflow.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a radiology coding question about extremity imaging
- What general imaging topics are discussed in relation to MRI and CT
- How the article is organized as a CPT Assistant Q&A item
- How the guidance relates to upper-extremity diagnostic imaging reporting
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Medical billers
- Coding compliance staff
- Diagnostic imaging departments
- Physician office coding staff
Codes Discussed
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