RCC Contrast Media, Supplies & HCPCS Level II Coding

Question 1

Which type of iodinated contrast media is associated with a lower risk of adverse reactions due to its osmolality being closer to that of blood?

Accepted Answer

Low-osmolality contrast media (LOCM)

Answer

High-osmolality contrast media (HOCM)

Answer

Ionic contrast media

Answer

Barium sulfate suspension

Question 2

When a CT scan is performed both without and with contrast, what is the correct CPT coding approach when a dedicated combination code exists?

Accepted Answer

Use the single CPT code specifying 'without contrast followed by re-imaging with contrast'

Answer

Report two separate CPT codes, one without and one with contrast

Answer

Report only the 'with contrast' code using modifier 22

Answer

Report only the 'without contrast' code since the enhanced phase is incidental

Question 3

Which HCPCS Level II code category covers most low-osmolality iodinated contrast agents used for intravascular injection?

Accepted Answer

Q codes (Temporary Codes)

Answer

A codes (Medical and Surgical Supplies)

Answer

J codes (Drugs Administered Other Than Oral Method)

Answer

C codes (Outpatient PPS New Technology)

Question 4

Gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI are primarily reported using which HCPCS code series?

Accepted Answer

A9576-A9579 (gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents)

Answer

Q9965-Q9967 (iodinated contrast by concentration)

Answer

J0636-J0640 (injectable drug codes)

Answer

C9399 (unlisted drug, outpatient PPS)

Question 5

A facility administers contrast media intravenously during a CT scan. Which separate CPT code should be reported for the IV injection of the contrast agent?

Accepted Answer

No additional injection code; contrast administration is bundled into the imaging CPT

Answer

96365 (IV infusion, initial, up to 1 hour)

Answer

90765 (IV push injection for therapy)

Answer

36000 (Introduction of needle or catheter into a vein)

Question 6

Which of the following contrast agents is a microbubble preparation used specifically to enhance ultrasound (echocardiography) imaging?

Accepted Answer

Perflutren lipid microspheres (Definity)

Answer

Gadobutrol (Gadavist)

Answer

Barium sulfate

Answer

Iopamidol (Isovue)

Question 7

Under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), how are contrast agents below the CMS packaging threshold typically reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Packaged into the APC payment for the associated imaging procedure

Answer

Paid separately under the Physician Fee Schedule

Answer

Paid as a pass-through drug under a separate APC

Answer

Denied as non-covered supplies