AMA CPT® Assistant - 2008 Issue 8 (August)
Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) (August 2008)
August 2008 page 13a Radiolgy: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging), 70554 (Q&A) Question: How do you code for diffusion-tensor imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging when they are performed with MRI brain imaging? Are there specific codes to describe this imaging? Answer: When diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is performed in the same setting as a routine brain MRI, the brain MRI code should be reported only once. However, in the unusual circumstance in which a patient had a routine brain MRI performed and a request is later received to specifically perform DTI at a separate distinct session that includes re-imaging the...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article is a short diagnostic radiology coding Q&A focused on MRI brain imaging and related diffusion techniques. It explains the general reporting context for these services, notes when separate sessions matter, and highlights that payer policies may differ from the cited CPT intent. The piece is most relevant to radiology coders, imaging departments, and billing staff who need to understand how the topic is addressed in CPT Assistant and why insurers may still vary in their requirements.
Why This Topic Matters
MRI brain studies often involve advanced diffusion-related techniques and overlapping sequences, so coders need to know how the topic is discussed in CPT guidance and how payer policies can affect reporting practices.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames MRI brain imaging with diffusion-related techniques
- The general reporting context described for separate scanning sessions
- Why payer-specific guidance may still need to be checked
- What type of CPT Assistant guidance the article provides
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Imaging center billing staff
- Hospital outpatient billing teams
- Radiologists
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
