Radiology CPT Coding

“Radiology is won on four reads: how many views, who owns the equipment (26 vs TC vs global), whether the guidance is bundled into the procedure, and whether the study was complete or limited. Read the setting and the descriptor before you ever pick a code.” — MEDESUN Coding Principle How to Analyze a Radiology CPC Question Radiology questions turn on views, components (26/TC), guidance, and contrast. Four answers usually differ by one of those. Work them in order. CPC EXAM TIPS Step 1 — Read the last sentence first. CPT® only, ICD-10-CM only, or both? Whose service — professional, technical, or global? Step 2 — Name the modality & body area. Plain X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammography, nuclear medicine, interventional/vascular, or radiation oncology. Step 3 — Count the views / decide complete vs limited. Plain films are chosen by number of views; ultrasounds by complete vs limited. Step […]