Question

understanding radiology coding

using the cpt manual, code the following from the diagnostic radiology subsection of the radiology chapter.

ct of the abdomen; without contrast material

Explanation:

Identify the procedure and anatomical site

Using the Radiology Coding knowledge point
The procedure is a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and the anatomical site specified is the abdomen.

Determine contrast administration status

Using the CPT Coding knowledge point
The clinical description specifies that the scan was performed "without contrast material."

Locate the specific CPT code

Using the CPT Coding knowledge point
In the CPT manual under the Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) subsection for the Abdomen, the codes are categorized by contrast usage:

• 74150: Computed tomography, abdomen; without contrast material
• 74160: Computed tomography, abdomen; with contrast material(s)
• 74170: Computed tomography, abdomen; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections

Therefore, the correct code is 74150.

Answer:

Using the CPT manual, code the following from the Diagnostic Radiology subsection of the Radiology chapter.

CT of the abdomen; without contrast material <blank>74150</blank>