Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Back pain is an increasingly common ailment that can be stubbornly resistant to therapy. This week in our Orthopedic Imaging Digital Community we're featuring a pair of stories on back pain, from both the administrative and clinical perspectives.
Our first story covers strategies for coding the various diagnostic procedures used in assessing back pain. Authored by radiology business consultant Deepa Malhotra, the article lists the proper codes to use that will ensure smooth sailing for claims processed by payors. Read all about it by clicking here.
Our second article covers the use of MRI for therapeutic planning in low back pain. An upcoming presentation at the RSNA indicates that primary care physicians may be ordering too many MRI scans, considering the diagnostic information the modality adds to patient management.
Meanwhile, a recently published study found that MRI did not appear to have measurable value in patients scheduled to receive conservative care rather than back surgery. The researchers recommended that MRI be reserved for patients receiving surgical treatment.
Get the rest of the story by clicking here, or check out the Orthopedic Imaging Digital Community, at orthopedic.auntminnie.com, for the rest of our news on musculoskeletal and orthopedic imaging.
