CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CPT code range covers Radiology services?
- 70000–79999 (Correct answer)
- 80000–89999
- 90000–99999
- 60000–69999
Correct answer: 70000–79999
Radiology CPT codes are found in the range 70000–79999, which includes diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology.
Question 2: What does the 'professional component' of a radiology service include?
- Physician interpretation and written report (Correct answer)
- Equipment and technical staff
- Film and contrast materials
- Both interpretation and equipment
Correct answer: Physician interpretation and written report
The professional component (modifier -26) represents the physician's work: reviewing images and providing a written interpretation and report.
Question 3: Which modifier is appended to indicate the technical component of a radiology service?
- -TC (Correct answer)
- -26
- -52
- -59
Correct answer: -TC
Modifier -TC (Technical Component) is appended when billing only for equipment, supplies, and technical staff without physician interpretation.
Question 4: What is a 'supervision and interpretation' code in radiology?
- A code split into technical and professional components (Correct answer)
- A code that includes only anesthesia supervision
- A code for radiological guidance during surgery
- A code for radiology resident supervision
Correct answer: A code split into technical and professional components
Supervision and interpretation (S&I) codes represent radiological guidance procedures where one code covers supervision of the procedure and the physician's interpretation.
Question 5: When contrast material is used during a CT scan, how does this affect code selection?
- A separate code is selected that specifies 'with contrast' (Correct answer)
- Modifier -22 is added to the base code
- Contrast is always bundled with no code change
- A separate HCPCS code is added for contrast
Correct answer: A separate code is selected that specifies 'with contrast'
CPT provides distinct codes for CT scans performed without contrast, with contrast, or without followed by with contrast, so the appropriate code must be selected.
Question 6: Which section covers clinical pathology consultations in CPT?
- Pathology and Laboratory (80000–89999) (Correct answer)
- Medicine (90000–99999)
- Evaluation and Management (99000–99499)
- Surgery (10000–69999)
Correct answer: Pathology and Laboratory (80000–89999)
Pathology and Laboratory services, including clinical pathology consultations, are reported using CPT codes 80000–89999.
CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 1
Which CPT code range covers Radiology services?