March 5, 2020

Question:
I sent a patient out to the hospital for a CT scan and the patient brought in the actual images and the radiologist’s report for me to review. Can I charge 76140 (Consultation on X-ray examination made elsewhere, written report) when I personally interpret those images and write my own report?

Answer:
No. This code is used by a radiologist who does an overread of an imaging study and provides a written report after reviewing an x-ray exam that was performed elsewhere.  You will “get credit” for reviewing the radiologist’s report and your personal review of the images, if well documented, in the Medical Decision Making area of the Evaluation and Management (office visit) code you report.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/5/20.