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2025 CPT code 74470

Radiologic examination of a renal cyst via translumbar approach, with contrast visualization; includes radiological supervision and interpretation.

Follow the current CPT coding guidelines for radiology services and ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity.

Modifiers 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only) may be appended to 74470, depending on the services performed.Payer policies may affect modifier use.

Medical necessity for 74470 is established when there is a clinical indication for evaluating a suspected renal cyst, such as abdominal pain, hematuria, or abnormal findings on other imaging studies.The translumbar approach may be necessary due to anatomical considerations or patient-specific factors. The procedure should be supported by appropriate documentation and consistent with established medical practice.

The clinical responsibility for this code lies with the radiologist who performs the image acquisition and interpretation.This includes ensuring proper patient preparation, contrast administration (if applicable), image acquisition, and diagnostic interpretation.The radiologist must accurately document their findings.

IMPORTANT:Codes 50390 (Aspiration and/or injection of renal cyst or pelvis by needle, percutaneous) and 50541 (Laparoscopy, surgical; ablation of renal cysts) may be used in conjunction with 74470, depending on the procedures performed.If only the professional component is performed, modifier 26 should be appended. If only the technical component is performed, modifier TC should be appended (though payer policies may vary for hospitals).

In simple words: This code covers an X-ray exam of a kidney cyst. A special dye is used to make the cyst easier to see on the X-ray. The doctor oversees the X-ray process and reviews the images to make a diagnosis. This code includes both the X-ray itself and the doctor's interpretation of the images.

This CPT code, 74470, encompasses the radiologic examination of a renal cyst using a translumbar approach.The procedure involves contrast visualization of the cyst under fluoroscopic guidance.The code includes both the technical component (the imaging procedure itself) and the professional component (radiological supervision and interpretation of the images). Reporting this code signifies that the physician is responsible for both aspects of the service.It is crucial to note that the code only covers the imaging supervision and interpretation; other procedures, such as aspiration or ablation of the cyst, would require separate coding.

Example 1: A patient presents with suspected renal cyst.A translumbar approach with contrast is used to visualize the cyst, and the radiologist interprets the images to determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst., A patient undergoes a percutaneous needle biopsy of a renal cyst.Code 74470 is used for the radiological supervision and interpretation of the fluoroscopic images obtained during the needle placement and contrast injection. , During a laparoscopic nephrectomy, a renal cyst is discovered.The surgeon uses fluoroscopy to visualize the cyst and guides the placement of a needle to drain the cyst.The radiologist utilizes code 74470 for their radiological supervision and interpretation of the fluoroscopic images.

* Detailed clinical indication for the study.* Imaging modality used (fluoroscopy).* Contrast agent used (type, amount, route of administration).* Description of the findings in the images.* Radiologist's interpretation and diagnosis.* Relevant patient history and physical examination findings.

** For services paid under OPPS, Medicare does not pay hospitals separately for supervision and interpretation codes deemed to be ancillary and supportive services to primary diagnostic or therapeutic services.OPPS hospitals should still report the code when performed for statistical purposes.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

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