AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2006 Issue 4 (Fall)
Standing Anteroposterior Radiograph of Both Knees
Standing Anteroposterior Radiograph of Both Knees Indication Osteoarthritis, preoperative total knee arthroplasty Findings The right knee demonstrates complete loss of the medial tibio-femoral joint space with bone-on-bone. Large osteophytes are present around the medial compartment. The lateral joint space is normal. The tibial shaft is in 5° of varus relative to the shaft 73565 of the femur. A line from the center of the femoral head to the center of the talus passes medial to the knee joint. The left knee is normal. The hips and ankles are normal. Impression Severe osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the right...
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Article Overview
This article explains a radiology coding scenario centered on a standing anteroposterior examination of both knees. It is relevant to radiology coders, orthopedic practices, and billing staff who need to understand how the study is categorized, how it differs from other knee imaging and bone length studies, and how related examinations are handled when multiple anatomic areas are involved.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly identifying the imaging study prevents miscoding when comparing standing knee views with other knee series or lower-extremity measurements. The article also highlights how report structure and study scope affect whether additional examinations are separately reported.
Article Sections
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Indication
Summarizes the clinical reason the imaging study was obtained.
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Findings
Describes the observed radiographic appearance of the knees and other anatomy referenced in the report.
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Impression
Provides the overall radiographic interpretation from the study.
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How to Code
Identifies the primary coding assignment discussed for the exam.
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Coding Tips
Compares the study with other related radiology services and discusses when separate examinations may be reported.
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Discussion
Expands on how the exam is classified, when it is appropriate, and how related knee and lower-extremity imaging is distinguished.
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References
Lists source references and publication citations supporting the article.
What You Will Learn
- How a standing bilateral knee radiograph is categorized for coding purposes.
- How this study is distinguished from other knee imaging approaches and bone length studies.
- How report scope affects whether additional anatomy is coded separately.
- What general documentation considerations are discussed for comparable radiology examinations.
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Orthopedic practice staff
- Medical billing professionals
- Revenue cycle teams
- Physician documentation staff
Codes Discussed
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