Radiology is the sharp-eyed detective of modern healthcare, sniffing out diagnoses and mapping out treatment plans with pinpoint precision. But when it comes to billing? It’s less Sherlock Holmes and more sudoku with legal consequences.
Coding for radiology isn’t just about knowing CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes, it’s about documenting every detail with surgical accuracy. Miss a step, and you could be looking at claim denials,a compliance headaches, and vanishing revenue.
Why Radiology Coding Matters in 2025
Radiology sits at the heart of healthcare diagnostics, but getting reimbursed for those high-tech scans? That’s where the real challenge kicks in.
With coding guidelines tightening and audits lurking around every corner, accurate radiology coding is more crucial than ever. Think of it as the bridge between life-saving diagnostics and keeping your revenue cycle alive.
Did You Know?
Poor documentation is one of the top reasons radiology claims get denied. The fix? Tight, thorough, and coder-friendly notes. Your future self and your bottom line will thank you.
Let Neolytix’s experts take billing off your plate, so you can focus on what really matters, reading scans and saving lives.
What Is Included in a Radiology Procedure and Coding Evaluation?
Radiology coding is about more than assigning codes, it’s decoding a patient’s medical story through images, reports, and just the right amount of acronyms. Whether it’s a routine chest X-ray or an intricate nuclear scan, each procedure must be backed by solid documentation and coded to perfection.
Precision in Documentation and Coding
Radiology covers a huge range of diagnostic and interventional services, each requiring its own billing finesse. Documenting the right details ensures medical necessity, cleaner claims, and fewer reimbursement hiccups.
Here’s what a strong radiology coding evaluation should include:
Patient History and Clinical Indications
The story starts here: symptoms, past imaging, and relevant health conditions.
This information supports the medical necessity of the radiology procedure and must be clearly reflected in the patient’s record.
Imaging Modality Selection
Radiologists don’t pick tools at random. Each modality comes with its own code (and billing landmines):
Imaging Modality Selection
Used for evaluating fractures, infections, and chest abnormalities.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Picture Provides detailed cross-sectional imaging for trauma, cancer screening, and organ evaluation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Used for soft tissue evaluation, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Ultrasound
Frequently used in obstetrics, vascular studies, and soft tissue imaging.
Nuclear Medicine (PET, SPECT, and Bone Scans)
Assists in functional imaging for oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
Clinical Decision-Making and Report Documentation
Radiologists are storytellers in scrubs. Their reports translate grayscale pixels into life-altering insight. Here’s what needs to be in the report:
- Findings and interpretation of the imaging results.
- Recommendations for further studies if needed.
- Correlation with clinical findings.
- Documentation of contrast use, laterality, and specific anatomical details.
Accurate documentation ensures proper reimbursement and supports medical necessity for any follow-up imaging.
Did you know that radiology coding requires detailed knowledge of both CPT and ICD-10 codes?
Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and compliance with healthcare regulations
Key CPT Codes for Radiology Procedures in 2025
CPT codes are essential for accurately reporting radiology services, ensuring compliance with billing regulations, and optimizing reimbursement. The following list includes key radiology CPT codes for diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and AI-assisted interpretations, reflecting the latest 2025 updates.
New 2025 Radiology Codes
CPT Code
Description
76014
MR safety implant and/or foreign body assessment by trained clinical staff, including identification and verification of implant components from appropriate sources (eg, surgical reports, imaging reports, medical device databases, device vendors, review of prior imaging), analyzing current MR conditional status of individual components and systems, and consulting published professional guidance with written report; initial 15 minutes
76015
MR safety implant and/or foreign body assessment by trained clinical staff, including identification and verification of implant components from appropriate sources (eg, surgical reports, imaging reports, medical device databases, device vendors, review of prior imaging), analyzing current MR conditional status of individual components and systems, and consulting published professional guidance with written report; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
76016
MR safety determination by a physician or other qualified health care professional responsible for the safety of the MR procedure, including review of implant MR conditions for indicated MR examination, analysis of risk vs clinical benefit of performing MR examination, and determination of MR equipment, accessory equipment, and expertise required to perform examination, with written report
76017
MR safety medical physics examination customization, planning and performance monitoring by medical physicist or MR safety expert, with review and analysis by physician or other qualified health care professional to prioritize and select views and imaging sequences, to tailor MR acquisition specific to restrictive requirements or artifacts associated with MR conditional implants or to mitigate risk of non-conditional implants or foreign bodies, with written report
76018
MR safety implant electronics preparation under supervision of physician or other qualified health care professional, including MR-specific programming of pulse generator and/or transmitter to verify device integrity, protection of device internal circuitry from MR electromagnetic fields, and protection of patient from risks of unintended stimulation or heating while in the MR room, with written report
76019
MR safety implant positioning and/or immobilization under supervision of physician or other qualified health care professional, including application of physical protections to secure implanted medical device from MR-induced translational or vibrational forces, magnetically induced functional changes, and/or prevention of radiofrequency burns from inadvertent tissue contact while in the MR room, with written report
MRI – Monitored Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA)
Three new codes were created for the TULSA procedure which delivers predictable physician-prescribed ablation of prostate tissue for treatment of prostate cancer.
Monitored Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA)
CPT Code
Description
51721
Insertion of transurethral ablation transducer for delivery of thermal ultrasound for prostate tissue ablation, including suprapubic tube placement during the same session and placement of an endorectal cooling device, when performed
55881
Ablation of prostate tissue, transurethral, using thermal ultrasound, including magnetic resonance imaging guidance for, and monitoring of, tissue ablation
55882
Ablation of prostate tissue, transurethral, using thermal ultrasound, including magnetic resonance imaging guidance for, and monitoring of, tissue ablation; with insertion of transurethral ultrasound transducer for delivery of thermal ultrasound, including suprapubic tube placement and placement of an endorectal cooling device, when performed
Transcranial Doppler study of the Intracranial Arteries
Codes 93896–93898 were created to report procedures performed with a complete transcranial Doppler study of the intracranial arteries
Chest X-Ray procedures
CPT Code
Description
93896
Vasoreactivity study performed with transcranial Doppler study of intracranial arteries, complete (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93897
Emboli detection without intravenous microbubble injection performed with transcranial Doppler study of intracranial arteries, complete (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93898
Venous-arterial shunt detection with intravenous microbubble injection performed with transcranial Doppler study of intracranial arteries, complete (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation
Chest X-Ray procedures
CPT Code
Description
60660
Ablation of 1 or more thyroid nodule(s), one lobe or the isthmus, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, radiofrequency
60661
Ablation of 1 or more thyroid nodule(s), additional lobe, percutaneous, including imaging guidance, radiofrequency (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Other Common Diagnostic Imaging Codes
Chest X-Ray procedures
CPT Code
Description
71045
Chest X-ray, single view
- A single frontal X-ray used to evaluate the lungs, heart, and ribs.
- Common uses: Infection, chest pain, trauma, or fluid buildup.
71046
Chest X-ray, two views
- Includes posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views for better lung and heart assessment.
- Common uses: COPD, pneumonia, pleural effusion, or post-surgical checks.
71047
Chest X-ray, three views
- Adds an oblique or decubitus view for detailed imaging of small pneumothorax or rib fractures.
- Common uses: Chest trauma, fluid shifts, or pre-surgical evaluation.
Brain and Neck procedures
CPT Code
Description
70551
MRI of the brain, without the use of contrast. This code is used for standard brain imaging to detect abnormalities.
70553
MRI of the brain, with contrast. This enhanced scan provides detailed images to identify issues not visible without contrast.
70540
MRI of the orbit (eye socket), without contrast. Used to examine the eye and surrounding structures for abnormalities.
70543
MRI of the orbit, with contrast. This scan offers a more detailed view of the eye area, highlighting any issues more clearly.
70336
MRI of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This code is used for imaging the jaw joint to diagnose TMJ disorders.
Brain and Neck procedures
CPT Code
Description
70551
MRI of the brain, without the use of contrast. This code is used for standard brain imaging to detect abnormalities.
70553
MRI of the brain, with contrast. This enhanced scan provides detailed images to identify issues not visible without contrast.
70540
MRI of the orbit (eye socket), without contrast. Used to examine the eye and surrounding structures for abnormalities.
70543
MRI of the orbit, with contrast. This scan offers a more detailed view of the eye area, highlighting any issues more clearly.
70336
MRI of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This code is used for imaging the jaw joint to diagnose TMJ disorders.
Spine Procedures
CPT Code
Description
72141
MRI of the lumbar spine (lower back), without contrast. Utilized for evaluating lower back pain and other lumbar spine conditions.
72156
MRI of the thoracic spine (middle back), without contrast. This code is used for imaging the mid-back region to diagnose spine issues.
72148
MRI of the cervical spine (neck), without contrast. Commonly used to assess neck pain and cervical spine disorders.
72157
MRI of the thoracic spine, with contrast. An enhanced scan for detailed imaging of the mid-back.
72158
MRI of the cervical spine, with contrast. Provides a more detailed view of the neck area for diagnosing more complex conditions.
Joint Procedures
CPT Code
Description
73221
MRI of the lumbar spine (lower back), without contrast. Utilized for evaluating lower back pain and other lumbar spine conditions.
73223
MRI of the thoracic spine (middle back), without contrast. This code is used for imaging the mid-back region to diagnose spine issues.
73721
MRI of the thoracic spine (middle back), without contrast. This code is used for imaging the mid-back region to diagnose spine issues.
73723
MRI of the cervical spine (neck), without contrast. Commonly used to assess neck pain and cervical spine disorders.
73131
MRI of the thoracic spine, with contrast. An enhanced scan for detailed imaging of the mid-back.
73133
MRI of the cervical spine, with contrast. Provides a more detailed view of the neck area for diagnosing more complex conditions.
Extremities procedures
CPT Code
Description
73718
MRI of the thigh, without contrast. This scan is used to evaluate thigh muscles, tendons, and other structures.
73720
MRI of the thigh, with contrast. Provides a more detailed image to identify issues not visible in non-contrast scans.
73218
MRI of the forearm, without contrast. Used to assess injuries and conditions affecting the forearm.
73220
MRI of the forearm, with contrast. Offers enhanced imaging for a clearer diagnosis of forearm issues.
73505
MRI of the foot, without contrast. This scan examines the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot.
73507
MRI of the foot, with contrast. Provides detailed images for diagnosing complex foot problems.
Lower Extremity MRI Studies
CPT Code
Description
73718
MRI, lower extremity, without contrast
- Provides high-resolution imaging of bones, joints, and soft tissues.
- Common uses: Ligament tears, meniscus injuries, fractures.
73720
MRI, lower extremity, with contrast
- Enhances visualization of vascular and post-surgical changes.
- Common uses: Tumors, infections, nerve entrapment
Thoracic CT Scans
CPT Code
Description
71250
CT scan, thorax, without contrast
- Provides detailed lung imaging for nodules, fibrosis, or emphysema.
- Common uses: Chronic cough, cancer screening, lung injury.
71260
CT scan, thorax, with contrast
- Enhances blood vessels and mediastinal structures, ideal for pulmonary embolism or aortic disease.
- Common uses: PE evaluation, tumor assessment, vascular conditions.
Pelvic MRI Studies
CPT Code
Description
72192
MRI, pelvis, without contrast
- Non-contrast scan assessing bones, joints, and soft tissues.
- Common uses: Hip pain, fractures, pelvic disorders.
72193
MRI, pelvis, with contrast
- Uses contrast dye for improved soft tissue differentiation.
- Common uses: Tumors, inflammation, post-surgical monitoring.
72194
MRI, pelvis, with and without contrast
- Combines both imaging methods for tumor evaluation and vascular studies.
- Common uses: Distinguishing benign vs. malignant lesions.
Breast Studies
CPT Code
Description
77059
MRI of the breast, bilateral (both sides). Used for comprehensive breast imaging, often for detecting or monitoring breast cancer.
77021
MRI of the breast, unilateral (one side). Focuses on one breast for targeted imaging, useful in diagnosing localized breast issues.
Commonly Used CT Scan Codes
CPT Code
Description
70450
CT Brain without contrast material
70470
CT Brain with and without contrast material
70480
CT Orbit(s) without contrast material
70486
CT Maxillofacial without contrast material
71250
CT Chest without contrast material
71260
CT Chest with contrast material
71270
CT Chest with and without contrast material
72192
CT Pelvis without contrast material
72193
CT Pelvis with contrast material
73700
CT Lower Extremity without contrast material
74150
CT Abdomen without contrast material
74160
CT Abdomen with contrast material
74170
CT Abdomen with and without contrast material
74176
CT Abdomen and Pelvis without contrast material
74177
CT Abdomen and Pelvis with contrast material
74178
CT Abdomen and Pelvis with and without contrast material
Ultrasound Abdomen
CPT Code
Description
76700
Abdomen Complete Ultrasound
76705
Abdomen limited
93975
Abdomen Doppler
76770
Aorta/Renal Retroperitoneal Complete
76775
Aorta/Renal Retroperitoneal Limited
Ultrasound Extremity
CPT Code
Description
93925
Arteries Legs Bilateral
93923
Arterial Upper or Lower Ext (ABI) Multiple
93926
Arteries Leg Unilateral
93923
Arterial Upper or Lower Ext (ABI) Multiple
93922
Vein Bilateral or Venous Insufficiency –Leg or Arms
93970
Non-Invasive Study Leg Veins with 93970
93965
Soft Tissue Extremity or Axillary Complete
76881
Soft Tissue Extremity or Axillary Limited
76882
Soft Tissue Extremity or Axillary Limited
93923
Arterial Upper or Lower Ext (ABI) Multiple
93922
Arterial Upper or Lower Ext (ABI) Single
93970
Vein Bilateral or Venous Insufficiency –Leg or Arms
93930
Artery Arm Bilateral
93931
Artery Arm Unilateral
76881
Soft Tissue Extremity or Axillary Complete
76882
Soft Tissue Extremity or Axillary Limited
Ultrasound Pelvic
CPT Code
Description
76870
Genitalia/Scrotal
76830
Transvaginal
76857
Bladder
76856
Non-OB
58340 & 76831
Sonohysterogram
Ultrasound Chest
CPT Code
Description
76604
Chest
93306
Echocardiography Ultrasound OB
76801
Pregnancy (OB) <14 weeks
76805
Pregnancy (OB) >14 weeks
76810
Pregnancy (OB) Twins
76817
Pregnancy (OB) Transvaginal
76818
Bio- Physical Profile
Ultrasound Thyroid
CPT Code
Description
76536
Thyroid
60100
Thyroid FNA
Ultrasound Thyroid
CPT Code
Description
93880
Carotid
X Ray CPT Codes
CPT Code
Description
74000
Single view digital X-ray of the abdomen
74020
Digital X-ray of the abdomen in both supine and erect positions
73510
X-ray of the hip with two views
73520
X-ray of both hips with an AP pelvis
73540
X-ray of the hips and pelvis of an infant
73010
X-ray of the scapula
73020
X-ray of the shoulder
73050
X-ray of the shoulder’s AC joints
73140
X-ray of the fingers, which can help diagnose conditions like fractures, joint disorders, and soft tissue injuries
73630
X-ray of the foot with at least three views
73130
X-ray of the hand with at least three views
PET/SPECT CPT codes
CPT Code
Description
78830
Brain Scan with SPECT/CT
78452
Myocardial Perfusion Infusion Imaging SPECT (Rest and/or Stress) Multiple
78451
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging SPECT (Rest) Single for Sarcoidosis
78451
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging SPECT (Rest) Single for Viability
78830
Myocardial Amyloidosis Imaging SPECT/CT
78830
Tumor Oncocytoma SPECT/CT
78830
Bone Imaging SPECT/CT
78830
Spleen Imaging SPECT/CT
78830
Lymphoscintigraphy SPECT/CT
Interventional Radiology Procedures
CPT Code
Description
36247
Selective catheter placement into an artery beyond the aorta, used for diagnostic imaging or targeted interventions.
37220
Balloon angioplasty to restore blood flow in an initial iliac artery, commonly for peripheral artery disease (PAD).
37221
Stent placement in an additional iliac artery when multiple blockages require intervention.
47563
Image-guided biliary drainage to relieve obstruction from gallstones, strictures, or tumors.
49406
Fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guided peritoneal catheter placement for dialysis, ascites drainage, or chemotherapy.
75978
Endovenous laser treatment to close diseased veins, improving circulation and reducing varicose vein symptoms.
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Regulatory Updates for 2025
Staying up to date with regulatory changes is essential for accurate coding and maximizing reimbursements in radiology medical billing services.
New CPT codes
AI-assisted imaging interpretations have been assigned new CPT codes to reflect technological advancements.
Revised reimbursement policies
Interventional radiology procedures now have updated billing guidelines to ensure appropriate compensation in advanced diagnostic imaging billing.
Medicare & insurance policy changes
Adjustments in diagnostic imaging billing reimbursements will affect claims processing for Medicare and commercial insurers.
Common Radiology Coding and Billing Mistakes & Denials and How to Avoid Them
Billing errors and denials are major challenges in radiology revenue cycle management. Below is a table summarizing the most frequent mistakes, reasons for denials, and best practices for preventing them.
Common Mistake | Denial Reason | Best Practice to Avoid Denial |
Incorrect CPT or ICD-10-CM code selection | Mismatch between diagnosis and procedure code | Ensure diagnosis supports medical necessity; verify code accuracy before claim submission. |
Missing or incorrect use of modifiers (e.g., -TC, -26, -59, -RT, -LT) | Claims denied due to incomplete information on professional vs. technical component | Use correct technical (TC) and professional (26) modifiers for radiology services; check payer-specific modifier guidelines. |
Lack of medical necessity documentation | Claim rejected as not medically necessary | Ensure radiologist reports clearly support medical necessity based on payer policies. |
Improper bundling of services | Denial due to unbundling of procedures included in global payments. | Follow Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits to determine which procedures should be bundled. |
Billing for contrast studies without documentation | Denial for missing contrast use details | Clearly document contrast administration, dosage, and type in the radiology report. |
Lack of adherence to payer-specific guidelines | Reimbursement denied due to non-compliance | Regularly update coding policies based on CMS, Medicare, and private payer changes. |
Adherence to federal and private insurance policies, including medical necessity documentation, is crucial to avoid audits and penalties in billing for radiology services. Additionally, hospital-based radiology services follow different billing guidelines compared to freestanding imaging centers, requiring expertise in medical group billing.
Modifiers and Unique Situations
Correct use of modifiers ensures accurate reimbursement and reduces the risk of claim denials in radiology billing services.
Key Modifiers for Radiology Services:
- 26: Professional Component: Used when only the interpretation of an imaging study is performed.
- TC: Technical Component
Used when only the equipment, supplies, and technician services were provided, but no interpretation was performed.
Example: A freestanding imaging center takes a CT scan but does not interpret the results. They would bill with modifier TC to indicate that the technical service was provided without interpretation. Used when only the equipment and technician service is provided.
- 59: Distinct Procedural Service
Applied when multiple services that are typically bundled together are performed separately and should be billed as distinct procedures.
Example: If an ultrasound and a separate Doppler study are performed on the same day, modifier 59 ensures both procedures are reimbursed individually, rather than being denied as a duplicate service.
Bundling & Unbundling Procedures
Understanding NCCI Edits: Prevent coding errors by recognizing bundled services.
When to Use Modifiers Properly: Avoid unnecessary denials by applying correct coding combinations.
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Testimonials
With over 12 years of experience in revenue cycle management, medical billing, coding, and medical credentialing, Neolytix is committed to supporting radiology providers with expert solutions that reduce errors, improve cash flow, and keep practices compliant. Here’s what others have to say:
Get Radiology Billing Right with Expert Support
Accurate radiology coding is more than a requirement, it’s the foundation of a financially secure and efficient practice. Billing errors, claim denials, and compliance risks can impact revenue, but with the right expertise, your practice can maintain seamless operations and maximize reimbursements.
Our expert team provides:
- Accurate, real-time coding support for radiology procedures.
- Comprehensive revenue cycle management solutions.
- AI-driven claim optimization and compliance tracking.
Stay ahead in 2025 – Schedule a consultation with Neolytix today!
