Radiology Procedures (July 2001)

Why This Topic Matters

Radiology coding changes can affect claim reporting, code selection, and compliance across multiple imaging services. This article helps readers identify which body-region sections were updated and what general coding topics are covered before they consult the full guidance.

Article Sections

1. Coding Clarification

   Overview of the radiology subsection revisions in CPT 2001 and the purpose of the update. Introduces the two major imaging modalities discussed in the article.

2. Computed Tomographic Angiography

   General background on CTA technology and the types of vascular imaging services addressed in the update. Summarizes the structure of the CTA-related code changes discussed by body region.

3. Head and Neck

   CTA updates and examples for head and neck imaging. Covers the related code additions and the body areas included in this section.

4. Chest

   CTA updates for chest imaging, including discussion of the scope of the chest code and related examples. Also notes distinctions between related chest examinations.

5. Pelvis

   CTA updates for pelvic imaging and related cross-references. Describes how this section fits into the broader runoff discussion.

6. Upper Extremity

   CTA updates for upper extremity imaging and related reporting considerations. Addresses the unilateral nature of the code discussed in this section.

7. Lower Extremity

   CTA updates for lower extremity imaging and related reporting considerations. Covers the unilateral study framework described in this section.

8. Abdomen

   CTA updates for abdominal imaging and related discussion of vascular evaluation. Places the abdominal code within the article’s CTA framework.

9. Abdominal Aorta and Pelvic and Lower Extremity Arteries

   Discussion of runoff imaging and the related CTA coding cross-reference. Explains how this body-area combination is treated within the update.

10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    General background on MRI code revisions and additions, with emphasis on how contrast-related language was updated. Introduces the body-region sections that follow.

11. Head and Neck

    MRI updates for head and neck imaging, including temporomandibular joint and orbit/face/neck sections. Also references related MRA code navigation within the article.

12. Chest

    MRI updates for chest imaging and the contrast-related revisions in this body region. Provides the context for the revised and added chest MRI codes.

13. Pelvis

    MRI updates for pelvic imaging and the contrast-related revisions in this body region. Includes the section’s examples and broader pelvic MRI context.

14. Upper Extremity

    MRI updates for upper extremity imaging, including distinctions between joint and non-joint studies. Also discusses reporting considerations for bilateral studies and related procedures.

15. Lower Extremity

    MRI updates for lower extremity imaging, including distinctions between joint and non-joint studies. Covers the general reporting framework described for this body region.

16. Abdomen

    MRI updates for abdominal imaging and contrast-related revisions. Ends with an example of abdominal MRI use in the article’s general coding context.