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: Is it appropriate to report code 77003 when fluoroscopy is used for discography? No, it is not appropriate to report code 77003 , Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural, transforaminal epidural, subarachnoid, or sacroiliac joint), including neurolytic agent destruction , when fluoroscopy is used for discography. The appropriate codes to report for discography are...

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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 collects frequently asked radiology coding questions and provides general guidance on how several imaging-related procedures are discussed in coding references. It is useful for radiology coders, billers, and reimbursement staff who need a quick overview of when certain procedure and guidance codes are addressed, along with a pointer to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule resources on the CMS website.

Why This Topic Matters

Radiology coding often depends on the procedure context, associated imaging guidance, and whether a study is treated as limited, bilateral, or separately reported. This FAQ helps readers identify the broader coding references involved and understand what topics are covered before consulting the full article.

Article Sections

  1. Fluoroscopy and discography

    Discusses the relationship between fluoroscopic imaging and discography reporting. The section focuses on general radiology coding references and guidance-related considerations.

  2. Thoracentesis and tube insertion

    Covers how thoracentesis and tube insertion topics are distinguished in the article, including the role of associated imaging guidance. The discussion is framed around common radiology procedure coding references.

  3. Ultrasound-guided treatment of calcified tendinitis

    Addresses an ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedure and the related discussion of reporting imaging assistance. The section also mentions modifier use in the context of additional work.

  4. Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)

    Reviews nuclear medicine imaging for breast studies and how bilateral imaging is treated at a high level. The section places the topic within broader radiology and nuclear medicine coding concepts.

  5. Medicare reimbursement resources

    Explains where Medicare fee schedule information can be found on the CMS website. The section describes the general tools and reference data available for payment lookup.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article organizes several radiology coding questions by procedure type
  • Which broad imaging and procedure topics are covered in the FAQ
  • What kinds of Medicare reimbursement resources are referenced
  • How the article frames guidance-related and nuclear medicine coding topics at a high level

Who Should Read This

  • Radiology coders
  • Medical billers
  • Coding auditors
  • Reimbursement staff
  • Practice administrators

Codes Discussed

Modifiers Discussed


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