General rules which apply to all procedure codes in the Radiology Services Fee Schedule sections of Diagnostic Radiology, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine are as follows:
1. Dollar values include usual contrast media, equipment and materials. An additional charge may be warranted when special surgical trays and materials are provided by the physician.
2. Dollar values include consultation and a written report to the referring physician.
3. When multiple X-ray examinations are performed during the same visit, reimbursement shall be limited to the greater fee plus 60% of the lesser fee(s). When more than one part of the body is included in a single X-ray for which reimbursement is claimed, the charge shall be only for a single X-ray. When bilateral X-ray examinations are performed during the same visit, reimbursement shall be limited to 160% of the procedure value (see modifier -50). The above provisions regarding fee reductions for multiple X-rays are applicable to X-rays taken of all parts of the body.
4. When repeat X-ray examinations of the same part and for the same illness are required because of technical or professional error in the original X-rays, such repeat X-rays are not eligible for payment. (See Rule 5 below.)
5. When repeat X-ray examination of the same part and for the same illness is required for reasons other than technical or professional error in the original X-ray. It should be identified by use of modifier -76.
6. RADIOLOGICAL SUPERVISION AND INTERPRETATION CODES: The Maximum fee is applicable when the physician incurs the costs of both the technical /administrative and professional components of the imaging procedure. (For the professional component of radiologic procedures, see modifier -26). When a procedure is performed by two physicians, the radiologic portion of the procedure is designated as “radiological supervision and interpretation.” When a physician performs both the procedure and provides imaging supervision and interpretation, a combination of procedure codes outside the 70000 series and imaging supervision and interpretation codes are to be used.
7. BY REPORT: A service that is rarely provided, unusual, variable, or new may require a special report in determining medical appropriateness of the service. Pertinent information should include an adequate definition or description of the nature, extent, and need for the procedure, and the time, effort and equipment necessary to provide the service. Additional items which may be included are:
complexity of symptoms, final diagnosis, pertinent physical findings (such as size, locations, and number of lesion(s), if appropriate), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including major and supplementary surgical procedures, if appropriate), concurrent problems, and follow-up care.
When the value of a procedure is to be determined “By Report” (BR), information concerning the nature, extent and need for the procedure or service must be furnished in addition to the time, skill and equipment necessitated. Appropriate documentation (eg, procedure description, itemized invoices, etc) should accompany all claims submitted.
Itemized invoices must document acquisition cost, the line item cost from a manufacturer or wholesaler net of any rebates, discounts or other valuable considerations.
8. SEPARATE PROCEDURES: Some of the listed procedures are commonly carried out as an integral part of a total service, and as such, do not warrant a separate identification. When, however, such a procedure is performed independently of, and is not immediately related to, other services, it may be listed as a “separate procedure.” Thus, when a procedure that is ordinarily a component of a larger procedure is performed alone for a specific purpose, it may be reported as a separate procedure.
9. FEES: The fees are listed in the Physician Radiology Fee Schedule, available at
http://www.emedny.org/ProviderManuals/Physician/index.html
Listed fees are the maximum reimbursable Medicaid fees. Fees for the MOMS Program can be found in the Enhanced Program fee schedule.
