Mary Jo Bowie MS, BS, AAS, RHIA, RHIT

Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Oncology CHAPTER 35 Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Oncology

Imaging Section The Imaging section has a character 1 value of B. Character 2 denotes the body system. There are numerous values for this character as it identifies the body system imaged.

Imaging Character 3 Value Character 3 value denotes root operations. The Imaging root operations are: Computerized tomography (CT) Fluoroscopy Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Plain radiography Ultrasonography

Additional Character Values—Imaging Section Character 4 defines the body part imaged. Character 5 specifies whether the contrast material used in the imaging procedure is high or low osmolar, when applicable. Character 6 is considered a qualifier providing further detail as needed. Character 7 is a qualifier.

Nuclear Medicine Section For the Nuclear Medicine section, the characters are: Character 1—Section. Value of C. Character 2—Body system. Specifies the body system on which the procedure is completed. Character 3—Type. This indicates the type of nuclear medicine procedure performed.

Additional Character Values for Nuclear Medicine Character 4—Body part. This character indicates the body part or body region studied. Regional and combination body parts are commonly used. Character 5—Radionuclide. This character indicates the radionuclide that is the radiation source.

Final Characters for Nuclear Medicine Character 6—Qualifier. The value is always Z for none. Character 7—Qualifier. The value is always Z for none.

Radiation Oncology Section Character 1 for the Radiation Oncology section has a value of D. Character 2, body system, specifies the body system irradiated. Character 3, modality, specifies the general modality used.

Values for Radiation Oncology (cont.) Character 4—Body part. This character identifies the body part that is the focus of the radiation therapy. Character 5—Modality qualifier. This character specifies the radiation modality used, such as photons, neutrons, and heavy particles.

Values for Radiation Oncology (cont.) Character 6- Isotope. This character specifies the isotopes introduced into the body. Character 7- Qualifier- May specify whether the procedure was performed intraoperatively.

Key Points to Remember Radiology allows internal structures of the body to be imaged. A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in radiology. The use of contrast materials allows for enhanced identification of abnormalities.

Points to Remember Nuclear medicine treats and diagnoses diseases using small amounts of radioactive material. Radioactive material, also known as isotopes, helps to create nuclear medicine images.

Additional Points to Remember Radiation oncology is therapeutic. Patients who are receiving radiation oncology are typically undergoing treatment for a malignant neoplasm.

Final Points The term modality indicates a certain protocol, therapeutic method, or agent used for treatment. Examples of modalities include: Chemotherapy Brachytherapy Stereotactic radiosurgery

Coding Practice Select the code for the following: MRI of the thyroid gland

Coding Practice Solution Main term to reference in index: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Modifying term: Gland, Thyroid Code Assignment: BG34ZZZ