[Intl_DxMedPhys] Single pass CT scan for separate volume/exam

[Enoch Tung]

Hi CT gurus (specifically the US subset),

This is not a technical question, but rather a financial question that impacts clinical practice.

For potential combo exams that do not have a single charge (ie. head without + maxillofacial without), performing the exams in one scan, with acknowledged reconstruction landmarks that would be routinely exclusive for both exams (and also reconstructed separately), is that allowed under the US healthcare reimbursement structure? Reference?

So to be clear, I'm not talking about a reformat from an exam (ie. CAP with contrast exam + spine reformats), but rather charges for 2 separate exams but done in a single pass to eliminate collaterally scanning a volume redundantly, as the intended scan region for the each of the 2 exams (per radiologist protocol), would not normally overlap.

AI (Copilot version) tells me no it's not allowed and based it on non con CT and CTA as an example; I'm wondering whether the interpretation is correct.

For international readers, am I correct it's a no brainer to do it in a single pass?

Thanks,
Enoch

Advance PTO notice:  None

Enoch Tung | Medical Physicist (Diagnostic and Health), Radiation Safety Officer, Laser Safety Officer
Imaging Services | MultiCare
Office: 253.301.5027 | Cell: 617.543.5488 | Fax: 253.301.5010 | Email: enoch.tung at multicare.org<mailto:etung at multicare.org>
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