July 13, 2017

Question:
I oftentimes read a cervical MRI (without contrast) done at an outside facility during the course of a new patient visit.  Can I bill 72141-26 along with my new patient E/M code (9920x)?

Answer:
The Medical Decision Making (MDM) component of the E/M code includes data review – this is how you will get “credit” for your personal review and interpretation of the outside MRI.  It is not accurate for you to also report 72141-26 because the radiologist who did the formal interpretation reported this code/modifier.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 07/13/17.