CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 2

Question 1

A radiologist performs a bilateral mammogram with computer-aided detection (CAD). Which CPT code range applies to the CAD add-on?

Accepted Answer

77067

Answer

CPT 77067 describes bilateral screening mammography with CAD included as a bundled service.

Question 2

When coding a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed together with contrast, the correct approach is to:

Accepted Answer

Use a single combination CPT code

Answer

CPT provides combination codes (e.g., 74178) for CT abdomen and pelvis performed together to avoid unbundling.

Question 3

Which modifier is appended to indicate that a radiologic procedure was performed and interpreted by two different physicians?

Accepted Answer

-26

Answer

Modifier -26 identifies the professional component (interpretation only) when the technical component is billed separately.

Question 4

A pathologist examines 3 separate lymph nodes submitted in 3 containers from the same patient. How should the surgical pathology be coded?

Accepted Answer

Three units of 88305

Answer

Surgical pathology codes are reported per specimen block/container, so three separate containers = three units.

Question 5

An MRI of the brain is performed without contrast and then again with contrast. Which code set applies?

Accepted Answer

Report the without AND with contrast combination code

Answer

CPT has specific combination codes (e.g., 70553) for MRI performed both without and with contrast in the same session.

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