AMA CPT® Assistant - 2002 Issue 3 (March)
Radiology (March 2002)
March 2002 page 11a Coding Consultation Radiology, 70486, 76375 (Q&A) Question How should we report a CT scan of the sinuses performed in both the coronal and axial plane without contrast? AMA Comment CPT code 70486, Computerized axial tomography, maxillofacial area; without contrast material, should be used to report CT scan of the sinuses performed in both the coronal and axial plane without contrast. If two separate CT studies with separate interpretations and written reports, signed by the interpreting physician were performed, then code 70486 should be reported twice, once for each study. Note that although the computerized...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article presents a radiology coding consultation from March 2002 focused on CT imaging of the sinuses and related tomographic reconstruction reporting. It is relevant for coders, radiology billing staff, and clinicians who work with CPT guidance for imaging studies and plane-based reconstructions. The discussion centers on how the article frames reporting considerations for original-plane CT studies and separately reported reconstructions.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology coding often depends on the imaging plane, whether multiple studies were performed, and whether a reconstruction is separately reportable. This article helps readers understand the scope of CPT guidance discussed in the consultation and where to look for the applicable coding concepts.
Article Sections
-
Coding Consultation
Introduces a radiology coding question-and-answer format centered on CT imaging reporting. The section frames the imaging scenario and the related CPT guidance discussed in the article.
-
Question
Presents the coding question addressed in the consultation. The focus is on a sinus CT study and the imaging planes involved.
-
AMA Comment
Summarizes the CPT guidance discussed in response to the question. The section also addresses general reporting considerations for separate studies and tomographic reconstructions.
What You Will Learn
- The scope of a radiology coding consultation about CT imaging of the sinuses.
- How the article frames reporting considerations for imaging studies performed in different planes.
- What general CPT topics are discussed for tomographic reconstruction reporting.
- The role of separate interpretations and written reports in the consultation context.
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Medical billing staff
- Coding auditors
- Radiology practice managers
- Physicians interpreting imaging studies
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
