How To Use CPT Code 74470

CPT 74470 describes a radiologic examination procedure that involves the use of contrast to visualize and locate a renal cyst. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 74470, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 74470?

CPT 74470 is a code used to represent a radiologic examination procedure that focuses on the study of renal cysts. During this procedure, a qualified healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation using contrast material to enhance the visibility of the cyst. It is important to note that this code represents both the technical and professional components of the service.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74470 is: ‘Radiologic examination, renal cyst study, translumbar, contrast visualization, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider inserts a needle through the urethra and advances it to the kidney under fluoroscopic guidance.
2. After appropriate preparation and anesthesia, typically regional anesthesia over the lumbar region, the provider locates the renal cyst.
3. A contrast material is then injected into the cyst, and images of the cyst are taken using fluoroscopy.
4. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure, reporting CPT code 74470.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 74470 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination to locate and study renal cysts. A renal cyst refers to a sac containing fluid on the surface of or within the kidney. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise in imaging supervision and interpretation. The use of contrast material is essential to enhance the visibility of the cyst during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 74470

CPT code 74470 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination specifically focused on the study of renal cysts. It is important to note that this code represents both the technical and professional components of the service. Therefore, it should only be reported for imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 74470, the healthcare provider must ensure proper documentation of the following:

• Patient’s medical history and indication for the radiologic examination
• Details of the procedure, including the use of contrast material and fluoroscopic guidance
• Images obtained during the examination
• Interpretation of the images and findings related to the renal cyst
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 74470, it is important to ensure that the healthcare provider performing the service is qualified and has the necessary expertise in imaging supervision and interpretation. This code represents both the technical and professional components of the service. Therefore, it should be reported for imaging supervision and interpretation only. It is also important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers, such as modifier 26 for the professional component and modifier TC for the technical component, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT code 74470 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing imaging supervision and interpretation for a patient undergoing a renal cyst study using contrast visualization.
2. A urologist using fluoroscopy to locate and study a renal cyst in a patient, with subsequent imaging supervision and interpretation.
3. A nephrologist performing a translumbar radiologic examination to visualize and study a renal cyst, providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
4. A radiology technician assisting a healthcare provider in performing a renal cyst study, with the healthcare provider providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
5. A healthcare provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation for a patient undergoing a radiologic examination to study a renal cyst using contrast visualization.
6. A radiologist interpreting images obtained during a renal cyst study performed by another healthcare provider.
7. A urologist performing imaging supervision and interpretation for a patient undergoing a translumbar radiologic examination to locate and study a renal cyst.
8. A nephrologist providing imaging supervision and interpretation for a patient undergoing a radiologic examination focused on the study of a renal cyst.
9. A radiology technician assisting a healthcare provider in performing a renal cyst study, with the healthcare provider providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
10. A healthcare provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation for a patient undergoing a radiologic examination to study a renal cyst using contrast visualization.