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CPT Code for Radiology: An In-Depth Radiology Coding and Billing

Radiology Coding : Your Essential CPT Code Resource!
CPT Code for Radiology Blog Main Image

Radiology billing has become increasingly complex in recent years. With the introduction of new technologies and procedures, it is essential for medical billers to be familiar with CPT codes for radiology billing services.

To help you stay up-to-date with the latest coding requirements, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on CPT codes for radiology.

Radiology CPT Codes: A Quick Overview

Discover the wide variety of Radiology Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which play a crucial role in healthcare documentation and billing. These codes are organized into different groups, each with its own unique function and purpose.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the main Radiology CPT code categories:
CPT Code for Radiology Infographic

70010-76499: Diagnostic Radiology Procedures

Covering X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs for in-depth diagnosis

Diagnostic radiology procedures involve a range of imaging techniques, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, essential for in-depth medical diagnosis and evaluation. These imaging modalities provide detailed insights into various anatomical regions and conditions, aiding healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
Now, let’s delve into some significant CPT codes within this category:

70010-70559: X-rays and imaging for head and neck conditions.

71045-71555: X-rays and CT scans for chest issues.

72020-72295: X-rays and myelography for musculoskeletal assessment.

73000-73225: X-rays for upper limb diagnosis.

73501-73725: X-rays for lower limb assessments.

74018-74190: CT scans for abdominal conditions.

74210-74363: Radiological assessment of the gastrointestinal tract.

74400-74485: Renal X-rays and pyelography for urinary issues.

74710-74775: Imaging for women’s health.

75557-75574: Specialized radiological procedures for cardiac conditions.

These categories represent a comprehensive range of diagnostic radiology procedures tailored to specific anatomical areas, aiding in precise medical diagnosis and treatment planning.

76506-76999: Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures

Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures involve non-invasive imaging using high-frequency sound waves to visualize various body parts and assess medical conditions.
They are categorized into specific areas for detailed evaluations.

76506-76536: Ultrasound for head and neck assessments.

76604-76642: Ultrasound scans focused on chest conditions.

76700-76776: Abdomen: Ultrasound for abdominal and retroperitoneal evaluations.

76800-76800: Ultrasound specifically for the spinal canal.

76801-76857: Ultrasound for pelvic area assessments.

76870-76873: Dedicated ultrasound procedures for genitalia examinations.

76881-76886: Ultrasound scans for extremities and musculoskeletal conditions.

76932-76965: Ultrasound guidance for medical interventions.

76975-76999: Other ultrasound procedures for various diagnostic needs.

These cover a wide spectrum of diagnostic ultrasound procedures, each tailored to specific body areas, enhancing accurate medical assessments and informed treatment strategies.

77001-77022: Radiologic Guidance

Guiding precise medical device placement with imaging
Radiologic Guidance involves using various imaging modalities to assist in precise medical procedures, ensuring accurate placement and guidance.

Here are the subcategories:

Fluoroscopic Guidance: 

77001-77003: Real-time X-ray guidance for interventional procedures.

Computed Tomography Guidance: 

77011-77014: CT imaging for procedural guidance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidance:

77021-77022: MRI-based guidance for medical interventions.

Incorporating Radiologic Guidance into medical procedures enhances precision and accuracy. These subcategories encompass real-time X-ray, CT imaging, and MRI-based guidance, providing invaluable support during interventional processes, and ensuring patients receive the best care possible.

77046-77067: Breast, Mammography

Focused on breast health assessments.

Breast Mammography involves specialized imaging techniques for breast examination, crucial in breast cancer detection and evaluation.
Breast mammography, represented by CPT codes 77046-77067, encompasses a range of crucial procedures dedicated to breast imaging and diagnosis. These codes cover screening and diagnostic mammography, computer-aided detection, breast lesion localization, and specialized breast MRI techniques.
Together, they play a vital role in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of breast-related conditions, ensuring women’s health and well-being.

77071-77092: Bone/Joint Studies

Examining musculoskeletal conditions and injuries

This range of CPT codes comprises diverse procedures for studying bone and joint health. From bone density measurements to advanced imaging like MRI and CT scans, these codes aid in precise diagnosis and treatment planning. They empower healthcare professionals to assess fractures, bone quality, and joint conditions, enhancing patient care.
These codes cover an array of diagnostic methods, facilitating early detection and tailored treatment strategies for musculoskeletal health issues. From DXA scans to MRIs, they contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes.

77261-77799: Radiation Oncology Treatment

Encompassing cancer radiation therapy procedures

Within this category, an array of CPT codes is dedicated to radiation oncology treatment, encompassing diverse aspects of therapy. These codes serve as crucial tools in the comprehensive management of cancer and other medical conditions.

77261-77299: Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning (External and Internal Sources)

77295-77370: Radiation Therapy Equipment, Physics, and Dosimetry Services

77371-77387: Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Delivery

77399-77417: Radiation Therapy Delivery

77423-77425: Neutron Beam Therapy Delivery

77427-77499: Radiation Therapy Management

77520-77525: Proton Beam Radiation Therapy Delivery

77600-77615: Radiation Hyperthermia Therapy

77620-77620: Clinical Intracavitary Radiation Hyperthermia Therapy

77750-77799: Clinical Brachytherapy Radiation Therapy

Within this comprehensive category, CPT codes are pivotal tools for radiation oncology treatment, addressing a spectrum of therapeutic aspects crucial for managing cancer and other medical conditions.

78012-79999: Nuclear Medicine Procedures

Utilizing radioactive substances for diagnosis and treatment

Nuclear medicine procedures encompass a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that utilize radioactive materials to visualize and treat various medical conditions. These codes are essential tools in modern healthcare, enabling the precise assessment and management of a diverse array of illnesses.

78012-78999: Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine Techniques

79005-79999: Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Interventions

These codes cover a multitude of nuclear medicine techniques, from diagnostic scans that aid in disease diagnosis and localization to therapeutic interventions that utilize radiopharmaceuticals for targeted treatment. These procedures significantly contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine and patient-centered care.

Final thoughts

In the world of radiology, understanding Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes is crucial. These codes are the foundation of healthcare documentation and billing, ensuring precise procedure recording and reimbursement. Through our exploration of radiology CPT code categories, we’ve revealed the complex world of medical coding, spanning diagnostic radiology, radiologic guidance, and nuclear medicine.
Each category and its subcategories are vital in healthcare, empowering professionals to decipher medical conditions, guide interventions, and create precise treatment plans. In today’s rapidly advancing healthcare landscape, these codes are dynamic, adapting to meet evolving medical demands. Staying informed about the latest coding requirements is essential for healthcare providers and billers, enabling them to navigate the field’s intricacies and enhance patient care within the dynamic healthcare environment.

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