AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2022 Quarter 4; Ask the Editor
One-view chest and abdomen X-ray on an infant
A single view x-ray of the chest and abdomen was taken of an infant with bilious emesis. The final impression noted diffuse lung infiltrates bilaterally and bowel distention. For facility reporting, what is the appropriate CPT code to report when the chest and abdomen are evaluated on a single radiograph? Is it appropriate to report only one code, either 71045 or 74018 , and if so, which code is reported? Or, is it appropriate to report each specific code with a modifier 52, Reduced Services, appended. For example, would both CPT codes 71045 -52 and 74018 -52 be assigned for facility reporting since anesthesia was not utilized? ...
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Article Overview
This article explains a facility coding question involving one radiographic image that includes both the chest and abdomen for an infant. It focuses on how to approach CPT reporting when more than one anatomic area is evaluated on a single study, and it discusses whether modifier 52 is relevant in this scenario. The content is aimed at coders, billing staff, and other revenue cycle professionals who need to understand the scope of reporting guidance for this type of imaging service.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly identifying how to report a combined chest-and-abdomen radiograph affects facility claim accuracy and avoids inconsistent use of multiple codes or modifiers. The article is relevant to staff handling diagnostic imaging coding and charge capture.
What You Will Learn
- How this radiographic scenario is framed for facility reporting
- How the article approaches CPT code selection for a single image that covers more than one area
- Whether modifier 52 is discussed in relation to this imaging example
- What type of coding question the article is intended to resolve
Who Should Read This
- Facility coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- HIM/coding auditors
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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