Basics about CTA (CPT code 71275) for Pulmonary Embolism Treatment

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is performed to find any diagnosis present in blood vessels (angio). The most frequent procedure for CTA is performed in Chest region in Radiology facility. This is the initial procedure done for Pulmonary Embolism Treatment. The Cpt code used for coding CTA chest is 71275. The major diagnosis to check through CTA chest exam is Pulmonary Embolism (PE).  Hence, CTA is considered an important exam for Pulmonary Embolism treatment. Therefore, whenever we see any physician performing CTA chest exam, he or she will have a PE protocol. This exam takes images of the pulmonary arteries to find any obstruction or embolism present in pulmonary artery. Let us check out more in detail about this procedure.

Common symptoms related to Pulmonary Embolism for CTA CPT code 71275

The most common symptoms for CTA chest is chest pain or shortness of breath (SOB). This can be found in chest x ray exam as well. There can be other symptoms related to respiration and blood circulation as well but these two are most common. Therefore, these are the major symptoms for PE. So, the physicians performs CTA chest exam to confirm the presence of PE. The pulmonary embolism is the obstruction caused in the path of blood in pulmonary arteries. These have to be diagnosed and treated on right time, since it can be create harmful disorder.

Documentation required for coding CTA chest CPT code 71275

The CTA chest exam is a 3D computed tomography exam. The exam is done using a 3D CT exam or MIP (Maximum intensity projection) images. So, to code CTA chest 71275, the report should document either 3D or MIP in the technique of the procedure. CTA exam is done with and without IV (Intravenous) contrast. So, it is compulsory to use IV contrast to code CTA chest CPT Code. The detail description for CTA chest is below:

71275– Computed Tomography Angiography of Chest (noncoronary), with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing

76376– 3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or other tomographic modality; not requiring image postprocessing on an independent workstation

76377– 3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of CT, MRI, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality; requiring image postprocessing on an independent workstation

Now, if you see we have two different CPT codes for 3D 76376 and 76377. Now, many of us have problem using this CPT codes.

When to code 76376 and 76377

As you can see, the major difference of these CPT codes is the presence of workstation. These CPT codes are used along with CT, MRI or ultrasound. When there is a CT without contrast done along with 3D, we can use these CPT codes along with CT code. However, these codes should not be coded with CTA exam since the CTA codes itself include 3D code. So, let check in short when to code these CPT codes

Code 3D CPT code along with CT, MRI or Ultrasound whenever documented.

Do not code 3D CPT code along with CTA procedures because CTA exam itself used 3D technique to perform the exam.

Hope, you have learnt some coding tips about CTA chest exam for Pulmonary Embolism treatment. Please share it if you liked it.