How To Use CPT Code 0174T

CPT 0174T describes the use of computer-aided detection (CAD) software by a healthcare provider to analyze chest radiographs for potential abnormalities. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0174T.

1. What is CPT Code 0174T?

CPT 0174T can be used to report the use of computer-aided detection (CAD) software by a healthcare provider during the interpretation of chest radiographs. This code is used when the provider utilizes specially designed computer software to identify potential abnormalities within the images and films obtained from the chest radiographs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0174T is: ‘Computer-aided detection (CAD) (computer algorithm analysis of digital image data for lesion detection) with further physician review for interpretation and report, with or without digitization of film radiographic images, chest radiograph(s), performed concurrent with primary interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code is used in conjunction with primary codes for chest radiographs (71045, 71046, 71047, 71048).

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs the primary interpretation of the chest radiographs, reviewing the images obtained using a small dose of ionizing radiation.
2. The provider then utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) software to further investigate the images and analyze them for any hidden abnormalities.
3. The CAD software helps to identify any false findings and provides a detailed analysis of the images, marking any detected abnormalities.
4. The provider reviews the images again, this time with the abnormalities marked by the CAD software, to ensure accurate interpretation and reporting.
5. The provider incorporates the findings from the CAD software into the final interpretation and report of the chest radiographs.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0174T is used when a healthcare provider performs the interpretation of chest radiographs and utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) software to further investigate the images for potential abnormalities. The use of CAD software is concurrent with the primary interpretation and can help in detecting hidden abnormalities and providing a more detailed analysis of the images.

5. When to use CPT code 0174T

CPT code 0174T should be used when a healthcare provider performs the interpretation of chest radiographs and utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) software to aid in the detection of potential abnormalities. This code should only be reported in conjunction with the appropriate primary codes for chest radiographs (71045, 71046, 71047, 71048).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0174T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The primary interpretation of the chest radiographs
• The use of computer-aided detection (CAD) software
• The findings and analysis provided by the CAD software
• The final interpretation and report of the chest radiographs, incorporating the CAD findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0174T, ensure that the healthcare provider performs the primary interpretation of the chest radiographs and utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) software concurrently. This code should be reported in addition to the appropriate primary codes for chest radiographs (71045, 71046, 71047, 71048). It is important to note that CPT code 0174T is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0174T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performs the interpretation of chest radiographs and utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) software to analyze the images for potential abnormalities.
2. A pulmonologist reviews chest radiographs and incorporates the findings from CAD software into the final interpretation and report.
3. An oncologist utilizes CAD software to aid in the detection of hidden abnormalities in chest radiographs of a patient undergoing cancer treatment.
4. A thoracic surgeon performs the primary interpretation of chest radiographs and utilizes CAD software to provide a more detailed analysis of the images.
5. A radiology technician assists in the use of CAD software during the interpretation of chest radiographs by a radiologist.
6. A cardiologist incorporates the findings from CAD software into the final interpretation and report of chest radiographs for a patient with suspected heart disease.
7. An emergency medicine physician utilizes CAD software to aid in the detection of potential abnormalities in chest radiographs of a trauma patient.
8. A nuclear medicine specialist performs the primary interpretation of chest radiographs and utilizes CAD software to further investigate the images for any hidden abnormalities.
9. A pediatric radiologist reviews chest radiographs of pediatric patients and utilizes CAD software to provide a more accurate analysis of the images.
10. An interventional radiologist incorporates the findings from CAD software into the final interpretation and report of chest radiographs for a patient undergoing a minimally invasive procedure.