AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2009 Issue 2 (Spring)
Radiology FAQ
Radiology FAQ If you have a question you would like to see addressed in the newsletter, please e-mail clinex@acr.org . The editorial staff will pick the most frequently asked questions for publication. Question: Answer: If a BI-RADS® assessment code is given for each breast, should two Category II codes be reported? For example, the left breast has a BI-RADS finding of 2 (benign), and the right breast has a BIRADS finding of 3 (probable benign findings). No, two Category II codes should not be reported if a BI-RADS assessment code is given for each breast. Report only the Category...
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Article Overview
This article compiles frequently asked radiology coding questions and answers from an ACR source. It addresses general reporting considerations for breast imaging assessment, specimen radiography, PQRI measure validation, CT review and modifier usage, ultrasound guidance for vascular access, MRI reporting, and CT angiography characterization. The piece is useful for radiologists, coding staff, and compliance professionals who need a high-level understanding of the topics and code sets involved before reviewing the full guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology reporting often turns on small distinctions in imaging context, study type, and quality-reporting requirements. This FAQ helps readers identify whether the article contains guidance relevant to radiology documentation, CPT and Category II reporting, and CMS PQRI-related processes.
Article Sections
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Breast imaging assessment reporting
Discusses radiology reporting for breast assessment in the context of BI-RADS and Category II quality-data coding. The section focuses on overall study reporting and ACR guidance.
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Specimen radiograph reporting
Addresses reporting frequency when multiple specimens are obtained and examined in relation to the same or different lesions. The discussion is limited to specimen radiograph coding considerations.
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Measure Applicability Validation for the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
Summarizes CMS-described validation procedures associated with the 2009 PQRI program. It also references clustered measures and radiology-relevant quality reporting considerations.
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Review of prior CT studies and modifier 26
Covers when a physician's review of previously performed imaging is considered part of an evaluation service versus separately reportable. The section also touches on professional component reporting and CPT principles.
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Ultrasound guidance for vascular access
Explains reporting considerations for ultrasound-guided vascular access in radiology practice. The discussion references CPT guidance and add-on coding context.
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MRI study reporting and unlisted magnetic resonance procedure
Addresses MRI reporting questions involving whole-body and spine studies, including situations where an unlisted magnetic resonance code is discussed. The section focuses on how MRI examinations are characterized in the coding reference materials.
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CT angiography for pulmonary vein evaluation
Discusses CT angiography reporting for pre-operative pulmonary vein assessment and the distinction between cardiac and non-cardiac anatomy. The section references CPT code selection for this type of study.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames radiology questions around breast imaging assessment and quality-data reporting
- How specimen radiograph reporting is discussed when multiple specimens or lesions are involved
- How CMS validation concepts are described in relation to the 2009 PQRI program
- How the article distinguishes included imaging review from separately reported professional service elements
- How ultrasound guidance for vascular access is addressed in radiology coding guidance
- How MRI reporting is discussed for studies with additional sequences or unlisted-procedure references
- How CT angiography of pulmonary vein anatomy is categorized in the article's coding discussion
Who Should Read This
- Radiologists
- Radiology coders
- Coding compliance staff
- Medical billing staff
- Quality reporting personnel
- Practice administrators
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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