Radiology and Pathology Coding Flashcards

A radiologist provides only the technical component of an X-ray in a hospital-owned facility. Which modifier should the facility report?

Answer: -TC

Modifier -TC identifies the technical component (equipment, supplies, technologist) when billed separately from the professional component.

Which of the following best describes Level III surgical pathology (CPT 88307)?

Answer: Appendix, gallbladder, fallopian tube, testis

CPT 88307 covers Level VI specimens such as appendix, fallopian tube removed for non-neoplastic conditions, and testis.

Fluoroscopy performed by a radiologist as a separate service during a surgical procedure is reported using which code range?

Answer: 76000-76001

CPT 76000-76001 describe fluoroscopy as a separate service when not bundled into another procedure code.

When a physician performs ultrasound-guided aspiration of a cyst and then interprets the imaging, which components are separately reportable?

Answer: The aspiration and the guidance/imaging interpretation separately

The procedural aspiration code and the imaging guidance code are reported separately when both are documented and performed.

A patient receives a PET scan of the skull base to mid-thigh with CT transmission scan. Which CPT applies?

Answer: 78815

CPT 78815 describes PET imaging skull base to mid-thigh with concurrently acquired CT for attenuation correction.

Which type of pathology service requires a written report documenting the gross and microscopic examination?

Answer: Surgical pathology (CPT 88300-88309)

Surgical pathology codes require documentation of both gross and microscopic examination findings with a formal written report.

A diagnostic ultrasound of a pregnant uterus at 28 weeks includes biophysical profile with NST. Which code is reported for the biophysical profile?

Answer: 76818

CPT 76818 describes fetal biophysical profile with non-stress test (NST) included.