Cpt Changes Conference: Radiology Coders

By Author: Angela Martin
Total Articles: 206
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CPT 2009 includes only a few new codes for the radiology section, but there are several revisions and codes outside of the 70000 range you can't afford to miss.CPT changes conferences discuss the revisions in detail -- and not limited to radiology alone.


Here's a breakdown of some of the codes you're most likely to use and where to find them.


Diagnostic Disc Aspiration


CPT 2009 adds a code specific to percutaneous diagnostic disc aspiration. If you automatically assign a general fine needle aspiration code to every aspiration, you have a specific coding option appropriate to your case, and you should assign that code instead of a general one.


Tech Changes Bring in Nuclear Med Deletions


If you have payers who still cover automated data generation codes (78890-78891), CPT 2009 has bad news for you.


The latest CPT version deletes 78890 (Generation ...
... of automated data: interactive process involving nuclear physician and/or allied health professional personnel; simple manipulations and interpretation, not to exceed 30 minutes) and 78891 (complex manipulations and interpretation, exceeding 30 minutes).


With progress in technology, the components of computer processing required for nuclear medicine procedures have been included directly in the 78000 series of codes.


Medicare hasn't paid these codes for some time, although a few other payers offer reimbursement. Overall, not being able to report these codes separately in 2009 won't be a big revenue loss. Not because the previously allowed charge amounts were added to the allowables for the study codes, but because reimbursement had all but evaporated over the past several years.


There are important coding and payment updates in all the major specialties, which you can learn from an industry expert at a CPT changes conference. These conferences are intended for medical coders, billers, practice managers, and providers in nearly all medical specialties.


Audioeducator offers Healthcare conferences and advanced Learning Opportunities for for medical coders, billers, practice managers, and providers in nearly all medical specialties through all types of CPT changes conferences and exceptional series of training CD's, DVD's & Tapes.