AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2021 Issue 2 (Spring)
Radiology Test Case Answer
RADIOLOGY TEST CASE Ultrasound Barbotage of the Shoulder The radiology test case is provided for coding professionals to test their knowledge. Please take some time to review and code the case. Consider your answers as to how the procedure is reported in 2021. Once you are confident with your answer, turn to page 12 for the correct answer and discussion. CLINICAL HISTORY Right shoulder pain and decreased range of motion; rotator cuff calcific tendinitis identified on prior radiograph. PROCEDURE Therapeutic right rotator cuff calcific tendinosis treatment (barbotage) and subacromial-subdeltoid bursal injection were performed using ultrasound guidance. COMPARISON Radiographs of...
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Article Overview
This article presents a radiology test case for coding professionals involving an ultrasound-guided shoulder procedure and a related injection, with discussion framed around how the case would be reported in 2021. It is useful for coders, radiology billers, and auditors who want to compare procedural documentation with reporting guidance for interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound cases.
Why This Topic Matters
The case helps readers evaluate how radiology documentation is translated into reporting choices for an ultrasound-guided therapeutic shoulder intervention. It is especially relevant for professionals reviewing musculoskeletal procedures, ultrasound guidance, and coding education scenarios.
Article Sections
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Radioogy Test Case
Introduces the coding exercise and explains that the reader is expected to review the case and consider reporting for a specific year.
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Clinical History
Summarizes the patient presentation and prior imaging context that led to the procedure.
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Procedure
Describes the therapeutic shoulder intervention, including ultrasound guidance and the related injection component.
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Comparison
Notes prior imaging and pre-procedure sonographic findings relevant to the case context.
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Technique
Outlines the procedural workflow, preparation, and sonographic monitoring used during the intervention.
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Impression
Summarizes the overall interpreted result of the intervention and the post-procedure assessment context.
What You Will Learn
- The types of documentation commonly reviewed in a radiology coding test case.
- How an ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal intervention is presented in a clinical report.
- What contextual information is included when evaluating a procedure for coding purposes.
- How radiology case discussions are structured for coding education.
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Medical coding auditors
- Radiology billing staff
- Coding educators
- Interventional radiology documentation reviewers
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