Understanding CT Scan Coding Guidelines

1. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: Understanding CT Scan Coding Guidelines Basics of CT Scan Coding CT scan coding guidelines refer to a set of rules and principles used to assign appropriate codes to diagnostic imaging procedures performed using Computed Tomography (CT) technology. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure accurate and consistent coding of CT scans across different healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. The guidelines for CT scan coding are primarily outlined in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codebook, which is published by the American Medical Association (AMA). The CPT codebook provides a list of codes and descriptions that are used to report medical services and procedures, including CT scans. CT Scan Coding Guidelines Here are some of the key CT scan coding guidelines to consider: 1. Identify the Correct CT Scan Code The first step in coding a CT scan is to identify the correct code that corresponds to the specific procedure performed. This requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy and pathology involved, as well as the appropriate code descriptors listed in the CPT codebook. The correct Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: CT scan code selection depends upon various factors like the type of CT scan being performed, the body part being imaged, the contrast material being used (if any), and the reason for the scan. Some key steps to identify the correct CT scan code includes: Determine the type of CT scan being performed: There are several types of CT scans, including contrast-enhanced CT, non-contrast CT, and CT angiography (CTA). Knowing the type of CT scan being performed is crucial to identifying the correct code. Identify the body part being imaged: CT scans can be performed on many different parts of the body, such as the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. It’s essential to know the specific body part being imaged to identify the correct code. Determine the contrast material being used: Contrast material is sometimes used during CT scans to help visualize specific structures better. Knowing whether contrast material is being used and what type of contrast material is being used (e.g., iodine- based or barium-based) is important to identify the correct code. Determine the reason for the scan: CT scans can be performed for many different reasons, such as diagnosing cancer, detecting internal bleeding, or evaluating a suspected bone fracture. Knowing the reason for the scan is critical to identifying the correct code. Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can use the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code book to identify the correct CT scan code. The CPT codes are updated annually, so it’s essential to use the most recent version of the codebook. It’s also important to note that the codes for CT scans are often bundled with other services, such as the interpretation of the scan by a radiologist. Be sure to review all relevant codes and guidelines to ensure accurate billing and coding. 2. Understand the Bundling Rules In CT scan coding, bundling rules refer to the guidelines that determine how multiple procedures or services should be reported and reimbursed when they are performed during the same encounter or visit. These rules are intended to ensure that providers are not overpaid for services that are commonly performed together and that patients are not charged excessively for care. The bundling rules for CT scans are based on the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), which is a set of coding policies developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The NCCI includes a set of edits that identify pairs of codes that should not be billed together in certain circumstances. These edits are designed to prevent overpayment for services that are considered to be components of a more Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: comprehensive service. For example, if a patient undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, the codes for these procedures may be bundled together if they are performed during the same encounter. This means that the provider would only be reimbursed for one of the procedures, even if both were performed. However, if the CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis were performed at separate encounters, then they could be billed separately. The NCCI also includes guidelines for when modifiers may be used to bypass the bundling rules. Modifiers are additional codes that can be appended to the primary procedure code to indicate that a service was performed differently than usual or to indicate that additional work was performed. It’s important to note that bundling rules can vary depending on the payer and the specific coding system being used. Providers should always consult with the payer’s coding guidelines to ensure that they are billing appropriately and avoiding any potential coding errors or overpayments. 3. Use Modifiers Appropriately In CT scan coding, modifiers are used to indicate specific circumstances that affect the way the procedure is performed, or the circumstances under which the service is provided. For provider reference purposes, we are sharing commonly used modifiers for CT scans (along with their meaning): Modifier 26: This modifier is used to indicate that the radiologist is providing only the professional component of the CT scan service. This means that the radiologist is only interpreting and reporting the results of the scan, and did not perform the scan itself. This modifier is typically used when the technical component of the scan is performed by a different provider, such as a hospital or imaging center. Modifier TC: This modifier is used to indicate that the provider is providing only the technical component of the CT scan service. This means that the provider is only responsible for the equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to perform the scan, and did not interpret or report the results of the scan. This modifier is typically used when the professional component of the scan is performed by a different provider, such as a radiologist. Modifier 52: This modifier is used to indicate that a reduced service was performed, for example, if a CT scan was scheduled but was not able to be completed due to patient cooperation, positioning, or other technical reasons. This modifier can also be used when a provider performs only a portion of a service, but the patient is still billed for the full service. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3

4. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: Modifier 53: This modifier is used to indicate that a service was discontinued due to extenuating circumstances, such as a patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction during the scan. This modifier is used when the service was partially completed but could not be finished due to circumstances beyond the provider’s control. Modifier 59: This modifier is used to indicate that a separate and distinct service was performed during the same encounter. For example, if a patient had a CT scan of the chest and then also had a CT scan of the abdomen during the same visit, the 59 modifier would be added to indicate that these were two separate services. In general, it is important to use modifiers correctly in CT scan coding to ensure that the service is billed accurately and appropriately. Incorrect use of modifiers can lead to claim denials or incorrect reimbursement, which can be costly for both the provider and the patient. It is also important to stay up-to-date with changes to modifier codes and usage guidelines to ensure that you are using modifiers correctly. 4. Be Aware of the Global Period The global period refers to the amount of time following a surgical procedure during which all related services, including follow-up visits and diagnostic tests, are included in the initial payment. If a CT scan is performed during the global period, it may not be separately billable. For CT scans, the global period typically lasts for 90 days. During this time, any follow-up scans or services that are directly related to the original CT scan will not be separately reimbursed by insurance companies. It’s important for patients to be aware of the global period in CT scan billing, as it can impact their out-of-pocket costs for follow-up care. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider or insurance company to fully understand their coverage and any potential costs associated with CT scans and related services. Apart from the above coding guidelines, it’s important to remember that payer-specific coding guidelines may change over time, you have to stay up-to-date on any changes and adjust your coding practices accordingly. In summary, CT scan coding guidelines are important to ensure accurate and consistent coding of diagnostic imaging procedures. Healthcare providers and coders must understand the appropriate codes, modifiers, bundling rules, and global periods to ensure proper payment and avoid denials. In case of any coding assistance needed in radiology coding, email us at: info@medicalbillersandcoders.com or call us at: 888-357-3226. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 4