CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A radiologist performs a bilateral mammogram with computer-aided detection (CAD). Which CPT code range applies to the CAD add-on?
- 77065
- 77067 (Correct answer)
- 77046
- 77061
Correct answer: 77067
CPT 77067 describes bilateral screening mammography with CAD included as a bundled service.
Question 2: When coding a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed together with contrast, the correct approach is to:
- Code each anatomical area separately
- Use a single combination CPT code (Correct answer)
- Report the abdomen only since pelvis is included
- Add modifier -52 for reduced services
Correct answer: Use a single combination CPT code
CPT provides combination codes (e.g., 74178) for CT abdomen and pelvis performed together to avoid unbundling.
Question 3: Which modifier is appended to indicate that a radiologic procedure was performed and interpreted by two different physicians?
- -26 (Correct answer)
- -TC
- -52
- -59
Correct answer: -26
Modifier -26 identifies the professional component (interpretation only) when the technical component is billed separately.
Question 4: A pathologist examines 3 separate lymph nodes submitted in 3 containers from the same patient. How should the surgical pathology be coded?
- One unit of 88305 for all three
- Three units of 88305 (Correct answer)
- 88307 once plus 88305 twice
- 88309 for the entire submission
Correct answer: Three units of 88305
Surgical pathology codes are reported per specimen block/container, so three separate containers = three units.
Question 5: An MRI of the brain is performed without contrast and then again with contrast. Which code set applies?
- Report the without-contrast code twice
- Report only the with-contrast code
- Report the without AND with contrast combination code (Correct answer)
- Append modifier -22 to the without-contrast code
Correct answer: Report the without AND with contrast combination code
CPT has specific combination codes (e.g., 70553) for MRI performed both without and with contrast in the same session.
Question 6: Which CPT code describes a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy with imaging guidance?
- 10021
- 10005 (Correct answer)
- 10004
- 10022
Correct answer: 10005
CPT 10005 describes fine needle aspiration biopsy, first lesion, with ultrasound guidance.
Question 7: A patient has a nuclear medicine bone scan of the whole body. Which CPT code is reported?
- 78300
- 78305
- 78300 and 78305
- 78306 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 78306
CPT 78306 describes a bone scan of the whole body (total body), distinct from limited or multiple area scans.
CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 2
A radiologist performs a bilateral mammogram with computer-aided detection (CAD).
Which CPT code range applies to the CAD add-on?