AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2006 Issue 3 (Summer)
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: How is an aborted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam reported when the patient is injected with gadolinium, but no images are taken? For example, the patient becomes claustrophobic and the MRI is terminated. Is any code reported if the patient is placed on the MRI scanner table, but the patient is not injected and no images are taken because the patient becomes claustrophobic? It is...
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Article Overview
This article compiles frequently asked questions from radiology coding practice and explains the general coding topics involved, including interrupted MRI exams, dialysis access declotting and related flow measurement issues, and bone imaging reporting on the same date of service. It is intended for radiology coders, billing staff, and clinicians who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the code sets discussed in the source material.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers identify when radiology services may be considered started, how certain procedures are grouped for reporting purposes, and where multiple imaging services or supply codes may be relevant. It is useful for avoiding common reporting errors in radiology and nuclear medicine workflows.
Article Sections
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MRI exam reporting when a study is terminated
Discusses billing questions that arise when an MRI is interrupted before completion and the general reporting context for discontinued imaging services. The section also notes the role of payer-specific modifier guidance.
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Flow measurements during declotting of a hemodialysis fistula
Covers dialysis access declotting and the associated question of whether related flow measurements or routine supplies are separately reported. The section references coding guidance from interventional radiology and dialysis-related procedure coding.
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Same-day reporting of bone imaging studies and radiopharmaceutical supply
Addresses the relationship between a three-phase bone/joint imaging study and whole-body imaging on the same date of service. The section also discusses the general reporting of the associated radiopharmaceutical supply under HCPCS Level II.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames reporting issues for interrupted radiology services
- Which broad topics are discussed for dialysis access declotting and related measurements
- How the article treats same-day bone imaging study reporting and related supply coding
- Which code sets and modifiers are referenced in the FAQ responses
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Medical billing staff
- Interventional radiology practices
- Nuclear medicine coders
- Physician documentation and compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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