This document discusses radiology and pathology procedures. It defines radiology as using imaging techniques like x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans to diagnose health conditions. It provides details on different radiology imaging modalities like x-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound. It also discusses pathology as the study of disease processes and laboratory testing procedures like drug testing and immunology methods.

1. RADIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY

2. What is a Radiology?
Radiology is a division of science, using imaging
techniques like x-ray, Ultrasound, MRI/MRA,
CT/CTA scan and PET scans to diagnose and
treat a health condition.

3. X-rays
o X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves.
o X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body.
o The images show the parts of your body in different shades of black and white.
This is because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation.
o Calcium in bones absorbs x-rays the most, so bones look white. Fat and other soft
tissues absorb less, and look grey. Air absorbs the least, so lungs look black.

4. Diagnostic Radiology Procedure

5. x-ray-upper extremity (CPT codes)
• 73100 - Radiologic examination, wrist; 2 views
• 73110 -Radiologic examination, wrist; complete, minimum
of 3 views
• 73120 - Radiologic examination, hand; 2 views
• 73130 - Radiologic examination, hand; minimum of 3 views
• 73140 - Radiologic examination, finger(s), minimum of 2
views

6. Computed Tomography (CT)
o CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce
multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the
area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor and provide greater
clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.
o CT exams are often done with Contrast Material:
 Intravenously
 Orally (Not considered a w/ contrast exam per CPT)
 For coding purposes “with contrast CT refers to intravenous, intrathecal or intra-
articular only”.

7. CT – Head, Orbit, Face
o 70450-Computed Tomography, Head Or Brain; Without
Contrast Material
o 70460-Computed Tomography, Head Or Brain; With
Contrast Material(S)
o 70470-Computed Tomography, Head Or Brain; Without
Contrast Material, Followed By Contrast Material(S) And
Further Sections

8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical imaging
technique that uses a magnetic field and computer
generated radio waves to create detailed images of
the organs and tissues in your body.

9. MRI Brain
• 70551 - Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including
brain stem); without contrast material
• 70552 - Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including
brain stem); with contrast material(s)
• 70553 - Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including
brain stem); without contrast material, followed by contrast
material(s) and further sequences

10. Ultrasound concepts

11. Ultrasound/Sonogram
• Ultrasound/Sonogram: using sound
waves images are being taken to study
the soft tissues structures.
• Doppler/ Duplex scan – To study the
velocity of the blood vessels

12. PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE
 What is Pathology?
The study of disease processes or
of any deviation from a normal, healthy
condition.

13. Definitive Drug Testing (80320 - 80377
.
 Qualitative,
 Quantitative or
 A combination of qualitative and
quantitative for the same patient on the
same date of service.

14. IMMUNOLOGY METHOD
CPT codes 86602 – 86804 are qualitative or semiquantitative
immunoassays performed by multiple-step methods for the
detection of antibodies to infectious agents.
For immunoassays performed by single-step methods
(Eg:reagent strips) use code 86318.
Tests are also performed by antigen OR antibody method.