Practice Quiz

Medical Coding

Category - Radiology

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The patient is being evaluated for spinal curvature problems of the lower back. She has been sent to the radiologist for a set of spinal x-rays. The radiologist takes x-rays from 4 different views of her spine (standing straight, bending forward and from each side) along with three additional views. These films are sent to the patient’s PCP for interpretation and report. What code should the radiologist report?
  1. 72114 -TC
  2. 72110 -TC, 72120 -TC
  3. 72114
  4. 72110, 72120
Explanation
Answer: A - The only code that the radiologist should report would be 72114 (Radiologic Examination, Spine, Lumbosacral; Complete, including Bending Views, Minimum of 6 Views) with modifier -TC appended. Modifier -TC indicates that the procedure consisted of taking the x-rays only and not the interpretation of the x-rays. The radiologist sent the x-rays to the patient’s PCP for interpretation; therefore the only part of this service that was provided was the technical portion.
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