IN OFFICE MRI BILLING AND CODING

fred · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

I work for an orthopedic surgeon and he is thinking about purchasing a used MRI machine to perform his own MRI, can anyone give me some tips on billing for a physician? Can an ortho bill for performing his own MRI'S in his office and what does he need to look out for? He does mostly HIPS, KNEES AND SHOULDERS, what codes would I used, I would really appreciate any help since this is very new to me.
Thanks
Fred

sbuck · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Stuart, FL

Yes, an ortho can bill for MRI services performed, however you should check with all of your payers to determine if they permit the ortho to perform AND interpret the exams. Usually I see orthos billing for the technical component of the exam and then a radiologist actually reads the exam and bills for the professional component.
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Vice President, Southeast Radiology Management
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