AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 9 (September)
Radiology Procedures Part II (September 2001)
September 2001 pages 4-9 Coding Communication Radiology Procedures Part II In CPT 2001, the radiology subsection was revised to reflect current technology and clinical practice, maintain consistency with the CPT component coding convention, and clarify intent and usage of the existing radiology codes. This article is the second part of a two-part article, the first part was published in the July 2001 CPT Assistant and addressed the changes and additions associated with Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) codes. Part II will focus on code changes and additions on Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), ultrasound procedures, and...
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Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article explains a set of radiology coding updates published in September 2001. It covers the broader intent of the CPT 2001 radiology subsection revisions, then summarizes changes affecting magnetic resonance angiography, selected spine/pelvis and extremity radiologic examinations, and ultrasound diagnostic and guidance procedures. The article is relevant to coders, radiology practices, and compliance staff who need to understand which areas of the radiology subsection were revised and where cross-references, deletions, and new descriptors were introduced.
Why This Topic Matters
Radiology coding changes can affect claim accuracy, code selection, and documentation alignment across multiple imaging service lines. This article helps readers identify where the 2001 CPT revisions changed reporting structure and terminology so they can review the full guidance in context.
Article Sections
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Coding Communication
Introduces the article and explains the general purpose of the CPT 2001 radiology subsection revisions.
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Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Provides background on MRA services and describes the scope of the coding updates for distinct anatomic regions and contrast-related reporting.
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Code Changes and Additions
Summarizes the overall MRA code revisions, including deleted and newly added entries and the related cross-reference language.
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Head
Covers the new head MRA codes and associated clinical context for this anatomic region.
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Clinical Examples and Discussions
Presents illustrative MRA scenarios and procedure narratives used to explain the head and neck code revisions.
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Neck
Covers the new neck MRA codes and associated clinical context for this anatomic region.
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Clinical Examples and Discussions
Presents illustrative MRA scenarios and procedure narratives used to explain the neck code revisions.
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Radiologic Examinations
Describes revisions to radiologic examination descriptors intended to improve reporting flexibility and reduce use of unlisted coding.
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Overview of Changes: Spine and Pelvis
Summarizes the revised spine and pelvis examination descriptors and the general reporting approach introduced in CPT 2001.
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Upper extremities
Summarizes descriptor revisions for selected extremity examination codes and the related reporting changes.
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Ultrasound (Diagnostic and Guidance) Procedures
Reviews terminology and descriptor revisions affecting ultrasound diagnostic and guidance coding across several service areas.
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Pelvis
Covers the pelvic ultrasound section changes, including revised and added biophysical profile coding context.
What You Will Learn
- How the CPT 2001 radiology subsection was revised at a high level
- Which areas of magnetic resonance angiography coding were reorganized
- How selected spine, pelvis, and extremity radiology descriptors were updated
- Which ultrasound guidance and diagnostic terminology was revised
- Where the article places cross-references, deletions, and new reporting categories
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Compliance staff
- Radiologists
- Obstetric and imaging practice managers
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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