Radiologists perform both interventional and non-interventional/non-invasive procedures. Interventional radiology procedures include diagnostic radiology imaging and ultrasound, while non-interventional procedures comprise standard radiographs, single or multiple views, contrast studies, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

To get proper reimbursement for the procedures they perform, radiologists need to execute proper disease and diagnosis coding or ICD-9 coding (using three-digit codes that are modified by including a fourth or fifth digit as characters following a decimal point), and procedural coding using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), comprising 5 digits with 2-digit modifiers. The procedure will be considered medically necessary only with a supporting ICD-9 diagnostic code. Sometimes multiple codes, such as radiological and surgical codes may become necessary to report a full procedure. Cardiology medical billers have to be thorough with radiology CPT codes that are bundled with other CPT codes. When billing for radiology services, ‘upcoding’ (coding a higher or more complex level of service than what was actually performed) has to be strictly avoided since this is regarded as fraud or abuse. Another important factor is to ensure whether the services require prior authorization to be properly reimbursed by the carrier.

Radiology Codes

Radiology codes comprise the 70,000 series of codes organized by the method or type of radiology and the purpose of the service. They are subdivided on the basis of the type of service and anatomical site.

These include:

• Diagnostic Radiology                70000 – 76499
• Diagnostic Ultrasound   76500 – 76999
• Radiologic Guidance                 77001 – 77032
• Breast, Mammography             77051 – 77059
• Bone/Joint Studies                    77071 – 77084
• Radiation Oncology                  77261 – 77999
• Nuclear Medicine                     78000 – 79999

Interventional radiologists use certain surgical codes to signify the procedures they perform.  Some major surgical codes include the following:

• Mechanical Thrombectomy: 34201, 34421, 34490
• Biliary Drainage: 47510, 47511, 47530
• Cholecystostomy Tube Placement: 47490
• IVC Filter Placment: 37620
• Biliary Stone Removal: 47630

HCPCS Codes

Medical services and supplies that are not included in the CPT coding terminology are listed in the HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System procedural codes). These are represented by 1 letter (from A to V) followed by four digits. Numeric or alphanumeric modifiers can be used along with these codes to clarify a procedure.

Billing for Radiology Services

Radiological service can be billed for the physician’s work as well as the use of equipment or supplies. The technical component (TC) includes facility charges, equipment, supplies, pre-/post injection services, staff and so on. The professional component (PC) involves studying and making inferences about the radiological test and submitting a written report with the findings. Modifiers are used to signify the technical and professional components in a radiological service. They are 2-digit numbers that are used to explain a procedure in more detail. They can indicate repeat or multiple procedures, such as radiographs performed bilaterally. When billing for the technical component only, the modifier 52 has to be used; when billing only for the professional component, the modifier 26 is to be used. In the latter case, a written report by the physician providing the services is required to avoid claim denial.

Some other examples of modifiers:

• -22 – unusual (increased) procedural service
• -32 – mandated services
• -51 – multiple procedures
• -66 – surgical team
• -76 – repeat procedure by same physician
• -77 – repeat procedure by another physician
• -LT, -RT, -TA to -T9, -FA to –F9, -LC, -LD, -RC – Anatomical modifiers

The global fee comprises the total payment due for the technical and professional components and this also requires a formal written report.

Billing for Professional Component

Physicians can bill for the professional component of radiology services provided for an individual patient in all settings regardless of the specialty of the physician who performs the service. Reimbursement will be given under the fee schedule for physician services. However, for radiology services provided to hospital patients, insurance carriers reimburse the professional component only under the following conditions:

• Services should meet the fee schedule conditions
• Services provided should be identifiable, direct and discrete diagnostic or therapeutic services given to an individual patient

Payment for the Technical Component

As regards the technical component or TC of radiology services furnished to hospital patients and to Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) inpatients during a Part A covered stay, insurance carriers might not provide reimbursement. The fiscal intermediary (FI)/AB MAC makes the payment for the administrative/supervisory services offered by the physician, as well as for the provider services. The TC of radiology services offered for inpatients in hospitals, excluding CAHs or Critical Access Hospitals are included in the FIs/AB MAC payment to hospitals. In the case of hospital outpatients, radiology and related diagnostic services are reimbursed according to the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) to the hospital. In the case of a SNF, the radiology services offered to its inpatients will be included in the SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS). For services offered for outpatients in SNFs, billing can be made by the provider of the service or by the SNF according to arrangements made with the provider. When the billing is made by the SNF, Medicare reimburses in accordance with the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Radiology Billing Standards

Radiology services can be billed in a number of ways. Some of the services are split billable and the codes for these are separately reimbursed by different providers for the professional and technical component. The physician and the facility can bill for their respective component with modifiers 26, TC or ZS. In full fee billing, the physician bills for both the professional and technical components and makes the payment due to the facility for the technical component provided. In standard billing, the facility bills for both the professional and technical components and reimburses the physician for his professional component. Services that cannot be separately billed are not individually reimbursed for the professional or technical components. These codes are reimbursed only for one provider and must not be submitted with the 26, TC or ZS modifiers.

Assigning the Codes

• Medical documentation is carefully studied to identify the radiological service performed.
• Identify the anatomical site
• Find the terms in the CPT index
• Select the codes on the basis of radiology terminology
• See whether modifiers are to be assigned

The following skills are essential for accurate coding and billing for radiology services:

• Ability to review clinical issues and CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS coding guidelines for interventional and non-interventional radiology

• Knowledge about the differences between diagnostic radiology codes and therapeutic interventional radiology codes

• Skill to review coding guidance for modifier usage with interventional radiology procedures

• Ability to code challenging case scenarios

Professional Coding Services for Accurate Billing and Coding

When it comes to coding, the radiologist faces two main issues: first, understatement of completed treatment could mean insufficient reimbursement; second, if the codes overstate the treatment, it could result in risk of abuse, repayments and fines. Another problem is the complicated and ever-changing directives with regard to CPT procedures.

Radiologists can resolve all these issues by going in for the services of professional medical coding companies. They have skilled CPT coders to do the job. With great attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of the coding system, application of basic coding principles, and thorough documentation, these companies offer accurate, customized and affordable radiology medical billing and coding services in quick turnaround time. Most of the professional companies utilize state-of-the-art billing software to guarantee efficiency and accuracy in billing and coding, for checking local coverage determination and so on to ensure that all claims are reimbursed.

With the rising demand for radiology medical coding services, numerous medical coding companies have come forward to assist medical facilities with streamlined solutions. These services are aimed at helping radiologists and medical practices maximize their revenue at reduced overheads.

Core Benefits of Affordable Radiology Transcription Service

Assigning special codes for the different radiology procedures is an extremely a complex and time-consuming task. Outsourcing their radiology coding tasks to experienced companies helps individual radiologists and medical practices to get the coding work done on time and at affordable rates.   Organized radiology coding services ensures radiologists and health care facilities an array of benefits such as:

• Saves the precious time and effort needed to complete the coding tasks
• Maximizes the revenue of the practice
• Reduces  administrative responsibilities
• Reduces the odds of claim denials
• Ensures accuracy in medical bills and claims
• Avoids coding backlogs
• Reduces the overhead costs needed for maintaining  additional coding staffs and infrastructure to perform  in-house coding

Precise Solutions for Your Specific Coding Needs

Medical coding companies offering affordable radiology coding services are staffed with a panel of experienced and talented medical coders and technicians with extensive knowledge on various medical coding rules and procedures. They can efficiently resolve the coding needs of all radiology subspecialties including diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, ultrasound, MRI and many more. The AAPC- certified medical coders efficiently assign HCPCS, CPT and ICD-9 coding to interventional radiology procedures such as ultrasound and diagnostic radiology imaging, as well as non-interventional radiology procedures including contrast studies, magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography, standard radiographs and single or multiple views.  Professional radiology coding services come with:

• Basic and advanced level coding solutions
• Stringent quality assurance
• HIPAA compliance
• Real-time document summaries
• 24 hour turnaround time
• Regular feedback
• Daily, monthly and weekly coding status reports
• Affordable rates

Seek the Assistance of an Established Coding Company

To obtain efficient radiology coding solutions to suit the requirements of your medical practice and budget specifications, locate an established medical coding company.  Ensure that you obtain consistent and affordable radiology coding services that significantly minimize your workload, as well as maximize the efficiency and income of your radiology practice.

Most radiology medical practices and individual practitioners in the United States are looking for professional assistance to efficiently manage their diverse coding tasks. Accurate medical coding is very important when it comes to optimizing their collections. If your facility or practice is seeking radiology coding services, it is would be a good idea to look in Oklahoma. An experienced radiology coding company in Oklahoma can offer individual radiologists, group practitioners, hospitals, medical centers and clinics competent coding services at competitive prices.

Accurate Radiology Coding Services

Radiology coding companies in Oklahoma are well-equipped to provide quality radiology medical coding services. They employ certified medical coders proficient in HCPCS, CPT, ICD-9 codes and standards, and  well aware of the latest government norms. They offer accurate coding solutions for interventional radiology procedures including ultrasound and diagnostic radiology imaging, as well as non-interventional procedures such as single or multiple views, standard radiographs, computerized tomography, contrast studies and magnetic resonance imaging.  The core services of a reliable radiology coding company in Oklahoma would cover:

• Emergency room e-code evaluation
• Medical coding audits
• ICD-9 coding based on AMA and CMS guidelines
• ASCs – Ambulatory Surgical Centers Coding
• CPT medical coding
• Backlog coding resolution services
• Hospital/ in-patient coding
• DRG/ICD-9 CM coding validations

Locate an Established Company

Online resources are a great help when it comes to finding an established radiology coding company in Oklahoma.  Searching web directories and the yellow pages with the zip code of the area would provide  a comprehensive list of the companies in the location. Reading blogs, newsletters, articles and reviewing forum discussions are the other important ways of selecting a professional company for your coding needs.

Points to Consider while Choosing a Radiology Coding Company

Before choosing a radiology medical coding company for your medical facility, you would have to evaluate its services. The main points for consideration are:

• Whether its coding procedures strictly adhere to Local Medical Review Policies (LMRP) and Correct Coding Initiatives (CCI)
• Accuracy rates
• Whether the firm offers stringent quality assurance
• Whether its coding procedures are compliant with the HIPAA norms
• Whether it  can offer comprehensive solutions in fast/customized turnaround time
• Pricing structure
• Whether it offers free trial options
• Whether it provide 24/7/ 365  technical assistance

The organized radiology medical coding services of a reputable radiology transcription company in Oklahoma can help you to submit error-free medical bills and claims within the specified time frame.  This would avoid claim denials and help you obtain maximum reimbursements for your practice.

Outsourcing radiology coding services assure an assortment of benefits for radiology departments, individual radiologists, imaging centers and hospitals. The most important benefit is that radiology medical coding outsourcing services offer radiologists more time to concentrate on their core activities. Further, these services help them to competently reorganize their entire coding system, enhance the overall efficiency of their healthcare practice and reduce the workload of their staff for focus on more important tasks.

Multifarious Benefits

Several established medical coding companies in the U.S. offer radiology coding services at competitive prices. Entrusting your radiology coding jobs to these firms allows radiology practices to resolve their regular coding needs efficiently.  Outsourcing radiology coding services ensure the following benefits:

• Reduces administrative responsibilities: Professional coding services significantly reduce the administrative responsibilities and workload of radiologists.

• Saves time and effort:  These services save the precious time and effort that radiologists would otherwise need to complete their coding tasks. This allows them to focus better on providing timely diagnosis and treatment solutions for their patients.

• Reduces possibilities of claim denials: Assigning codes to different radiology procedures needs proper attention and a thorough knowledge of the entire coding system. Even a small error in the codes can lead to claim denials. Efficient coding helps in the submission of error-free medical bills and claims to eliminate the possibilities of claim denials or rejections.

• Ensures maximum reimbursement: Timely submission of accurate medical claims and bills maximizes reimbursements and enhances the revenue prospects of the medical practice.

• Reduces infrastructure overheads: By outsourcing their coding tasks, radiologists and medical facilities can save the expenses needed to maintain additional staff and infrastructure to perform in-house coding.

Excellent Coding Accuracy

To deliver high quality radiology medical coding services, reputable medical coding companies are equipped with skilled AAPC certified coders and technicians with up-to-date knowledge on the coding rules. They ensure customized radiology coding solutions in minimum turnaround time.  Their radiology coding services ensure:

• Completion of coding tasks within the client-specified TAT
• Excellent accuracy rates
• Compliance with HIPAA norms
• Real-time document summaries
• Stringent quality assurance at three levels
• Feedbacks and custom reports
• Coding status reports on daily, weekly and monthly basis

Well-organized radiology coding outsourcing services help radiology medical practices, individual practitioners and group practices to enhance their efficiency and revenue at the same time. If you plan to outsource your radiology medical coding tasks, it is important to locate an established medical coding company offering consistent solutions at affordable charges.