Which describes a two-digit CPT code used to indicate that the provider supervised and interpreted a radiology procedure?

Which describes a two-digit CPT code used to indicate that the provider supervised and interpreted a radiology procedure?

• A. Professional component 26 modifier
• B. Global modifier 00
• C. Technical component TC
• D. Diagnostic modifier 33

Answer: (A)

In radiology coding, the service is made up of two parts: the technical component (the actual imaging performed by equipment/techs) and the professional component (the physician’s supervision and interpretation). The physician’s interpretation is shown with modifier 26, a two-digit code added to the CPT procedure to indicate the professional component. This tells the payer that the provider supplied the interpretation, separate from the imaging itself. The technical component would be indicated by modifier TC, not 26. Global 00 and diagnostic 33 do not describe the professional interpretation component, so they don’t apply here.

In radiology coding, the service is made up of two parts: the technical component (the actual imaging performed by equipment/techs) and the professional component (the physician’s supervision and interpretation). The physician’s interpretation is shown with modifier 26, a two-digit code added to the CPT procedure to indicate the professional component. This tells the payer that the provider supplied the interpretation, separate from the imaging itself. The technical component would be indicated by modifier TC, not 26. Global 00 and diagnostic 33 do not describe the professional interpretation component, so they don’t apply here.