March 2003 page 23
Coding Consultation:Questions and Answers
Radiology, 72170, 73510 (Q&A)
Question
Would it be appropriate to report both codes 72170 and 73510 for anteroposterior (AP) supine pelvis and for an AP and "frogleg" lateral left hip studies if there is only one report?
AMA Comment
Both codes 72170, Radiologic examination, pelvis; one or two views, and 73510, Radiologic examination, hip unilateral; complete, minimum of two views, may be reported for an AP supine pelvis and for an AP and "frogleg" lateral left hip studies with only one written interpretation and report, as long as both studies...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article presents a radiology coding question-and-answer item focused on CPT reporting for overlapping pelvis and hip x-ray studies. It is useful for radiology coders, billing staff, and compliance reviewers who need to understand the scope of the consultation and the type of documentation discussion addressed in this March 2003 CPT Assistant item.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology practices often need to know whether separately performed imaging studies can be represented in a single report or require separate reporting. This brief consultation helps readers identify that the article addresses documentation and reporting considerations within CPT guidance for plain radiography.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
A short Q&A format consultation from Radiology on a coding and documentation topic in plain-film imaging.
What You Will Learn
The general coding topic addressed in the consultation
How the article frames documentation and reporting for radiology studies
What type of CPT guidance is discussed for pelvis and hip imaging
How the Q&A format is used to present the coding issue
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