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: When a patient has an ultrasoundguided aspiration and alcohol ablation of a left groin seroma, what is the correct CPT code(s) to report? Is the alcohol ablation reported separately? A seroma is considered a cystic structure, as it is a circumscribed collection of fluid. Therefore, CPT code 10160 (Puncture aspiration of abscess, hematoma, bulla, or cyst) is the correct code to report the aspiration portion...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article addresses common radiology coding questions across diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology support services. It explains how the FAQ applies CPT and HCPCS reporting concepts, when additional imaging or guidance services may be separately considered, and where unlisted or device-related reporting comes into play. It is useful for radiology coders, billers, and clinicians who need to compare procedure scenarios with current coding conventions and professional guidance sources.

Why This Topic Matters

Radiology services often involve multiple components, shared imaging guidance, and procedure-specific reporting decisions. This FAQ helps coders identify the relevant service category and understand how the article frames separate reporting, unlisted services, and documentation expectations.

Article Sections

  1. Question and answer format

    Introductory FAQ framing and submission information for future newsletter questions.

  2. Ultrasound-guided aspiration and alcohol ablation of a groin seroma

    Discussion of reporting considerations for a seroma aspiration scenario and related imaging guidance and unlisted procedure concepts.

  3. CT-guided bone biopsy with separate RF bone ablation

    Guidance for a case involving bone biopsy and ablation performed through separate access under CT imaging.

  4. 3-D rendering performed at the scanner or workstation

    Comparison of documentation and reporting considerations for three-dimensional imaging work performed in different settings.

  5. Abscessogram and sialogram imaging after contrast injection

    Question-and-answer discussion of contrast injection studies and the imaging codes associated with fluoroscopic or CT follow-up.

  6. Full spine and cervical spine radiography for scoliosis follow-up

    Coverage of radiographic evaluation of the spine when a full-length study and a dedicated cervical study are both ordered.

  7. CTA coverage from the aortic arch through the iliac arteries

    Overview of computed tomographic angiography reporting for broad vascular scanning coverage across chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

  8. Independent check of basic radiation dosimetry calculations

    Radiation therapy billing guidance related to verification of dosimetry work and physician review.

  9. Fiducial marker placement in the tongue for IMRT

    Discussion of reporting for tongue marker placement and related device coding references.

What You Will Learn

  • Which broad radiology coding topics are addressed in the FAQ
  • How the article organizes questions across imaging, interventional, and radiation therapy settings
  • What kinds of coding references and documentation issues are discussed
  • Which professional coding sources are cited in support of the FAQ answers

Who Should Read This

  • Radiology coders
  • Medical billers
  • Interventional radiology staff
  • Radiology practice administrators
  • Radiation oncology coding staff

Codes Discussed


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Features

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  • Expert Insights: Explanations and interpretations by the CPT Assistant Editorial Board.

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