Question 1

How are many of the x-ray code descriptions in the Radiology section of CPT further subdivided?

Accepted Answer

X-ray code descriptions in the Radiology section of CPT are often further subdivided by the number of views taken.

Question 2

A noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images that are captured in real time and show structure, movement, and the flow of blood through blood vessels is called:

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body, showing structure, movement, and blood flow without the need for incisions or radiation, making it a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

Question 3

A bone scan is performed on the shoulder. Which CPT code is correct to assign to this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The correct CPT code for a bone scan of the shoulder is 78300, which represents a bone scan limited to a specific area of the body. Codes 78315, 78306, and 78305 are used for more comprehensive scans or scans focusing on multiple areas, not a single area like the shoulder.

Question 4

If a testing is performed to rule out or confirm a suspected diagnosis and the patient presents with signs and symptoms, this is a _________________:

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic examinations are conducted to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis when a patient presents with signs and symptoms.

Question 5

The application of radioactive isotopes for internal radiation is:

Accepted Answer

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses radioactive isotopes placed inside or near the body to deliver radiation to a specific area.

Question 6

Select the correct definition of the term distal:

Accepted Answer

The term "distal" refers to a body part that is farthest from the point of reference, midpoint, or beginning, typically used in anatomy to describe locations on limbs relative to their attachment points to the body.

Question 7

Of the following common ICD categories used to report CPT codes, which is commonly used to bolster medical necessity for a radiologic procedure?

Accepted Answer

History of (personal or family) is commonly used to bolster medical necessity for a radiologic procedure because it provides evidence that the patient is at risk for developing a condition that the procedure can help diagnose or treat.

Question 8

A patient presents to the radiology department with an order for a CT scan. The provider's diagnostic statement supporting the scan is "severe cough, probable COPD." Upon examination, the CT scan does not show evidence of abnormality with the lungs and surrounding structures. How should the coder appropriately code this patient's diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The correct approach is to code for the symptoms that led to the diagnostic test since the test did not confirm COPD or any other specific condition. In this case, the symptom is a severe cough.

Question 9

Katie presents to the oncology suite for radiation therapy for primary malignancy in the right breast. She is also experiencing nausea as a result of the therapy. Select the accurate reporting of Katie's diagnoses for today's service:

Accepted Answer

The primary reason for the visit is the admission for radiation therapy, followed by the nausea as a side effect, and the underlying condition, primary malignancy of the right breast.

Question 10

Radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine procedures can be administered via all of the following routes except:

Accepted Answer

Radioactive materials in nuclear medicine are typically administered via inhalation, ingestion, or injection, but not by infusion, which is a method used for delivering fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream over time.

Question 11

How are codes in the Diagnostic Imaging subsection of CPT divided?

Accepted Answer

Codes in the Diagnostic Imaging subsection of CPT are divided based on the anatomic site that the imaging is focused on. This means that the categorization is based on the specific area of the body that is being imaged, such as the chest, abdomen, or brain.

Question 12

CPT code 77067 identifies screening mammography, bilateral (2 view study of each breast). A patient receives unilateral screening mammography. Which modifier is appropriate to append to this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Modifier 52 is used to indicate a reduced service, which is appropriate when only a unilateral screening mammography is performed instead of the bilateral service described by CPT code 77067.

Question 13

Select the term used to describe something to the back of the body or back of an organ:

Accepted Answer

The term "posterior" is used to describe something located towards the back of the body or the back of an organ, in contrast to "anterior" which refers to the front.

Question 14

Which of these is a radiology imaging modality used to study structures in a body plane?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these is a radiology imaging...

Question 15

A 45-year-old female patient presents for a screening mammogram. Upon examination, the screening test shows evidence of a calcification in the left breast. How would the coder appropriately assign diagnosis codes for this service?

Accepted Answer

The correct approach is to first list the code for the screening mammogram because the primary reason for the encounter is the screening. If a finding such as a breast mass or calcification is discovered during the screening, the code for that finding (in this case, the breast mass or calcification) should be listed secondarily. This ensures that the primary reason for the visit (the screening) is accurately captured, followed by any incidental findings.

Question 16

Which organ is being scanned in a hepatobiliary scan?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which organ is being scanned in a...

Question 17

Which term refers to decreasing the angle at the joint?

Accepted Answer

Flexion refers to the action of decreasing the angle between the bones of a joint, effectively bringing them closer together.

Question 18

What type of Radiology codes are found in code range 70010-76499?

Accepted Answer

The code range 70010-76499 is designated for Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) procedures.

Question 19

To locate a definitive or confirmed diagnosis within the provider documentation, coders should look for certain terms. These include all except which term listed below?

Accepted Answer

The term "probable" does not indicate a definitive or confirmed diagnosis. Instead, it suggests uncertainty or a diagnosis that has not yet been fully confirmed, which is not what coders should look for when trying to locate a definitive diagnosis within provider documentation. Terms like "conclusion," "finding," and "impression" are more indicative of a confirmed diagnosis.

Question 20

Code 76770, Complete retroperitoneal ultrasound, is assigned when:

Accepted Answer

A complete retroperitoneal ultrasound includes imaging of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, common iliac artery origins, and inferior vena cava.

Quiz 17: Radiology