Coding the Radiology Report and Diagnostic X-rays
Accurate CPT coding for diagnostic imaging starts with understanding the radiology report. This course equips coders with practical strategies to extract critical details from documentation, recognize differences among imaging modalities, and correctly assign CPT codes for common x-ray procedures involving the upper body, spine, pelvis, and extremities. Participants will also review gastrointestinal, abdominal, urinary, and obstetric/gynecologic imaging studies, gaining the confidence and clarity needed to accurately match clinical documentation to the appropriate CPT codes.
Objectives:
Lesson 1: Coding from the Radiology Report
- Recognize key information to look for in a radiology report for coding purposes
- Identify the differences between various radiological modalities
Lesson 2: X-rays of the Upper Body, Spine, and Extremities
- Recognize the different CPT codes for various upper body x-rays
- Select the appropriate code for diagnostic imaging of the spine and pelvis
- Choose CPT codes for extremity x-rays
Lesson 3: X-rays of the Abdominopelvic Regions
- Recognize the different gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging tests
- Choose a code for urinary studies based on documentation
- Apply codes for OB and gynecological diagnostic imaging studies, along with other various x-ray exams
CE Credits:
AHIMA
This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.
- Domain: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance
AAPC
This program has the prior approval of the American Academy for Professional Coders (AAPC) for 2 continuing education hours. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAPC of the program content or the program sponsor.
- Specialty CEUs: COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM
Target Audience:
- Professional Fee Coders/Auditors
- Facility Outpatient Coders/Auditors
- Billing Professionals
- Charge Entry Staff
- Coding Compliance Professionals
- Practice Managers
This course provides coders with practical tools for accurate reporting of CT and MRI services. Participants will learn the key documentation elements required for CT exams, including the additional components necessary to support CT angiography, and will clarify the important distinctions between chest CT and cardiac CT studies. The program also reviews code selection for spine, extremity, and abdominal CT imaging, and introduces clear strategies for assigning MRI and MRA codes based on core coding principles. By the end of the session, learners will be prepared to confidently translate imaging documentation into compliant CPT code assignments.
Objectives:
Lesson 1: Coding for CT and CTA Studies
- Identify documentation to look for when coding CTs and what is required in the note for CT angiographies
- Distinguish between chest CT and cardiac CT
- Select the correct CT codes for spine, extremity, and abdominal CTs examples
Lesson 2: Coding for MRI and MRA Studies
- Accurately code MRIs and MRAs of the head and neck using case examples
- Select the appropriate CPT codes for MRI studies of the chest, heart, breast, spine and extremities
- Differentiate abdominal MRI codes and identify when MRI safety and additional procedure codes apply
CE Credits:
AHIMA
This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.
- Domain: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance
AAPC
This program has the prior approval of the American Academy for Professional Coders (AAPC) for 2 continuing education hours. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAPC of the program content or the program sponsor.
- Specialty CEUs: COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM
Target Audience:
- Professional Fee Coders/Auditors
- Facility Outpatient Coders/Auditors
- Billing Professionals
- Charge Entry Staff
- Coding Compliance Professionals
- Practice Managers
This course provides practical, real‑world guidance for accurately coding two of the most commonly performed diagnostic imaging services: ultrasound and breast studies. Participants will learn how to interpret radiology documentation, distinguish among ultrasound study types, and apply CPT guidelines for head and neck, chest, abdominal, pelvic, and extremity ultrasounds, including scrotal and rectal imaging. The course also addresses coding for mammography, breast ultrasound, and mammary ductography. Through focused instruction and application-based examples, learners will strengthen their ability to confidently assign compliant CPT codes based on provider documentation.
Objectives:
Lesson 1: Ultrasounds
- Recognize the different types of ultrasounds performed on the head, neck, and chest
- Identify procedure components needed to assign the correct OB ultrasound code
- Select the appropriate codes for scrotal, rectal, and extremity ultrasounds
Lesson 2: Mammography and Other Breast Imaging
- Assign the correct mammography codes based on the components performed
- Identify key elements of breast ultrasounds
- Select the appropriate ductogram codes based on the number of ducts involved
CE Credits:
AHIMA
This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.
- Domain: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance
AAPC
This program has the prior approval of the American Academy for Professional Coders (AAPC) for 2 continuing education hours. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAPC of the program content or the program sponsor.
- Specialty CEUs: COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM
Target Audience:
- Professional Fee Coders/Auditors
- Facility Outpatient Coders/Auditors
- Billing Professionals
- Charge Entry Staff
- Coding Compliance Professionals
- Practice Managers
This course provides practical, real‑world guidance for accurately coding diagnostic radiology studies that focus on physiologic function rather than anatomic detail alone. Building on foundational radiology coding knowledge, participants will learn to interpret documentation and apply CPT guidelines for bone density and nuclear medicine procedures commonly reported in both facility and professional fee settings.
Learners will review bone density studies such as dual‑energy x‑ray absorptiometry (DXA), vertebral fracture assessment, trabecular bone score, and bone age and bone length examinations, with emphasis on understanding study components and proper code selection. The course also explores nuclear medicine imaging across multiple body systems, including endocrine, hematologic and lymphatic, liver, and hepatobiliary studies, as well as more advanced applications involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and nervous systems. PET imaging and applicable coverage guidelines are also addressed.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to confidently interpret radiology documentation and assign compliant CPT codes for bone density and nuclear medicine studies using current coding guidance.
Objectives:
Lesson 1: Bone Density Studies
- Recognize the key differences among common bone density studies that impact CPT code selection
- Identify required documentation elements for accurate coding of DXA and vertebral fracture assessment procedures
- Differentiate between trabecular bone score, bone age, and bone length studies based on study intent and components
- Apply CPT guidelines to select the correct codes for bone density–related procedures
Lesson 2: Nuclear Medicine: Organ System Studies
- Recognize the major categories of nuclear medicine studies based on the organ system evaluated
- Apply a consistent decision‑making process when coding nuclear medicine procedures across endocrine, hematologic and lymphatic, liver, and hepatobiliary studies
- Differentiate nuclear medicine codes based on the type of imaging performed, such as planar imaging, SPECT, or SPECT/CT
- Identify additional procedure components that impact CPT code selection, including vascular flow and pharmacologic intervention
- Select appropriate CPT codes for nuclear medicine studies based on documented services and imaging methodology
Lesson 3: Nuclear Medicine: Advanced Studies and PET Imaging
- Differentiate CPT codes for nuclear medicine procedures involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and nervous systems
- Analyze documentation to determine the correct code selection for brain imaging studies and PET procedures
- Identify key study components that influence CPT code assignment across varied nuclear medicine scenarios
CE Credits:
AHIMA
This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.
- Domain: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance
AAPC
This program has the prior approval of the American Academy for Professional Coders (AAPC) for 2 continuing education hours. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAPC of the program content or the program sponsor.
- Specialty CEUs: COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM
Target Audience:
- Professional Fee Coders/Auditors
- Facility Outpatient Coders/Auditors
- Billing Professionals
- Charge Entry Staff
- Coding Compliance Professionals
- Practice Managers
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