Professional radiology billing services use specialized software to handle the billing and coding process. This software is designed to accurately interpret the codes and requirements of different insurance providers, ensuring that claims are properly submitted and paid.
In addition to coding and billing, radiology billing services may also offer other support services such as claims management, patient billing and collections, and financial reporting.
One of the key technical aspects of radiology billing is the use of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. These codes are standardized codes used to describe medical procedures and services, and they are essential for accurate billing and reimbursement. Professional radiology coders and billers are familiar with the latest CPT codes and guidelines and can ensure that they are used correctly in all claims submissions.
Another important aspect of radiology billing is the use of medical necessity criteria. This refers to the specific requirements that must be met for a medical procedure to be considered medically necessary and eligible for coverage by an insurance provider. Professional radiology billing services are familiar with the medical necessity criteria for different procedures and can ensure that claims are properly documented and supported.
In addition to coding and billing, radiology billing services may also provide support with credentialing and contracting. Credentialing refers to the process of verifying that a healthcare provider meets the requirements to provide services to a particular payer.
Contracting refers to the negotiation of reimbursement rates and terms with insurance providers. Professional radiology billing services can handle these tasks on behalf of the practice, freeing up time and resources for the provider.
What are the latest billing regulations for radiology?
Some of the recent changes in radiology billing regulations include the following:
Updated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: The CMS updates the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) every year, which outlines the payment rates for various medical procedures, including radiology services. In 2023, there were changes to the MPFS related to the evaluation and management (E/M) services, which may impact radiology billing codes.
New CPT Codes: The American Medical Association (AMA) introduced several new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in 2023 that may affect radiology billing, such as codes for reporting imaging guidance for needle-based procedures and codes for myocardial PET imaging.
Telehealth Services: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the use of telehealth services, including radiology. The CMS expanded reimbursement for certain telehealth services during the public health emergency, but it’s unclear how long these changes will remain in effect.
Again, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest billing regulations for radiology by checking with regulatory bodies and industry associations.
What are the most widely used codes for radiology?
There are several widely used codes for radiology services, which are used to bill for procedures and services related to diagnostic imaging. These codes are typically categorized based on the type of procedure or imaging modality being used. Here are some of the most common codes used for radiology:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: The most commonly used CT scan codes include CPT codes 71250-71275, which are used to describe different types of CT scans, such as head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The most commonly used MRI codes include CPT codes 72141-72158, which are used to describe different types of MRI scans, such as brain, spine, joint, and extremity.
X-rays: The most commonly used X-ray codes include CPT codes 71010-71035, which are used to describe different types of X-rays, such as chest, spine, and extremity.
Ultrasound: The most commonly used ultrasound codes include CPT codes 76700-76775, which are used to describe different types of ultrasound procedures, such as abdominal, pelvic, and obstetrical.
Nuclear Medicine: The most commonly used nuclear medicine codes include CPT codes 78012-78999, which are used to describe a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, bone scans, and thyroid scans.
It’s important to note that these codes can vary depending on the specific procedure being performed and the payer requirements. Radiology providers should always check the most current coding guidelines from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure accurate medical coding and medical billing.
Get professional radiology billing services today!
When it comes to radiology, it’s crucial to have effective billing solutions to secure your practice’s cash flow. This is where Med Financial Solutions can help.
At MFS, we provide reliable medical billing and medical coding services. For many years, we have worked with numerous radiology practices to improve their billing process.
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