AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2019 Issue 2 (Spring)
Radiology Test Case Answer
RADIOLOGY TEST CASE ANSWER Radiology Test Case Answer HOW TO CODE 77080 Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton (eg, hips, pelvis, spine) 77081 Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (eg, radius, wrist, heel) M81.8 Other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture M89.8 X8 Other specified disorders of bone, other sites DISCUSSION Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) codes were updated in 2015, and this coding advice recommends the most recent coding. This procedure report describes axial and appendicular bone density studies; therefore, CPT code 77080...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article explains a radiology test case involving dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density studies and related diagnosis coding considerations. It is aimed at coders and billing professionals who need to understand the general coding context for central and peripheral bone density testing, Medicare-related coverage references, and coding guidance updates. The article also references broader clinical and regulatory sources used to support the discussion.
Why This Topic Matters
Bone density studies are common radiology services with coding that can vary by anatomic site and payer guidance. This article helps readers identify the relevant coding framework, understand which general code sets are involved, and recognize that Medicare coverage and edit references may affect reporting.
Article Sections
How to Code
Introduces the coding-focused portion of the article and identifies the relevant procedure and diagnosis coding categories discussed for the case.
Discussion
Provides background on the imaging service, the anatomic areas involved, and references to Medicare, coding updates, and supporting organizations. It also summarizes the broader clinical and policy context for the test case.
Sources
Lists the external references used to support the article’s coding discussion and examples.
What You Will Learn
The general coding context for DXA bone density studies
How the article frames central and peripheral bone density testing
Which coding and coverage references are discussed in relation to Medicare
What broad clinical and administrative sources support the test case
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