Essentials of Interventional Radiology Coding

Accurate 2026 IR coding starts with a solid understanding of how IR procedures are performed and how to pull out the key phrases in physician documentation — exactly what you’ll learn from this essential resource.

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Essentials of Interventional Radiology Coding

Price range: $230.00 through $251.00

Seek Knowledge Security in a Time of 2026 Economic Turbulence

A storm of economic uncertainty is looming over 2026, and you can’t afford to navigate the changes without professional guidance. With sweeping coding changes, the most significant in years, professionals who walk into 2026 without expert insight will face a rising flood of new challenges that may sink reimbursement.. More accurate IR coding and reimbursement starts with an improved understanding of how IR procedures are performed.

We built Essentials of Interventional Radiology Coding on a simple but profound premise: that better IR coding starts with a strengthened understanding of how IR procedures are performed and how to pinpoint those key phrases in physician documentation.

With the multitude of changes for 2026, coders face major mounting challenges:

  • In a landmark decision, lower extremity revascularization has been completely restructured, expanding from 15 codes to 46 new codes with revised definitions of complexity and vascular territory.
  • CTA Head & Neck will see a consolidation into a bundled code, while CT cerebral perfusion (0042T) is retired and replaced by new Category I code(s).
  • Ablation procedures now include new codes for irreversible electroporation (IRE) of liver and prostate tumors.
  • Thoracic endografts (TEVAR) procedures have new and revised codes for aneurysm and branch endografts.
  • Embolization codes are revised and bundled, particularly for head/neck and CNS procedures.
  • Pain management overlap adds new Category I codes for PILD (percutaneous lumbar decompression) and genicular nerve ablation.

On top of these CPT shifts, regulatory and payment updates add new complexity: efficiency adjustments cut reimbursement for many non-time-based services, practice expense changes shift the economics of office vs hospital coding, and virtual direct supervision may become permanent.

This fully updated edition provides in-depth explanations of the “why” behind correct CPT®/HCPCS code assignments, plus valuable guidance for navigating physician documentation in all its variations. Whether you’re a new coder or a seasoned professional, this book is a go-to resource for mastering IR coding in 2026.

2026 Features and Benefits

Clearly and concisely, our IR coding experts cover many essential concepts, such as:

  • Step by step through all 2026 additions, deletions, and revisions for reporting IR procedures
  • Descriptions of IR procedures — diagnostic exams, therapeutic interventions, vascular angiography, and interventions — including subtle distinctions that make or break correct reporting
  • Corresponding CPT®/HCPCS code descriptions and coding guidelines for each procedure, for both hospital (technical) and physician (professional) entities
  • Explanations of add-on, radiological S&I, and imaging guidance codes, with guidelines for use
  • Critical documentation elements that drive correct code selection, especially with new bundled code structures
  • Guidance with IR coding concepts: component, hybrid, bundled, arterial, venous, selective, non-selective, and order of selectivity
  • Overviews of must-know topics: diagnostic vs. therapeutic procedures, physician vs. hospital coding, Medicare payments, CPT® basics, and more
  • Updated billing tips and expanded guidance for common problem areas
  • Case examples applying the new 2026 CPT code sets to real-world scenarios

A Proven Learning and Quick-Reference Tool

  • Organized by nonvascular and vascular IR, and then by body system and procedure type
  • Anatomical illustrations visually translate procedures and CPT® assignments
  • Full dictated reports with highlighted documentation key phrases at the end of each chapter

Looking for more valuable coding education and news? Check out our Interventional Radiology All-Access Pass and/or our Comprehensive Radiology All-Access Pass for a full range of comprehensive educational resources that reinforce reimbursement and your bottom line.



CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

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Introduction
  • Abbreviations
  • Modifiers
    • CMS Guidance Regarding JW and JZ Modifiers
  • The Basics
    • Diagnostic Therapeutic
    • Global, Technical, and Professional
    • MPFS Billing Indicators
    • Hospital Physician Coding
    • Physician / Other Qualified Healthcare Provider
    • Guidance
    • Moderate (Conscious) Sedation
    • Coverage
    • Evaluation and Management for Interventional Radiology
    • Global Surgical Period
    • 3D Printing
    • National Correct Coding Initiative
    • Procedure-to-Procedure Edits

Part 1: Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology

Biopsy
  • Guidance
  • Aspiration Biopsy
  • Non-Aspiration Needle Biopsy
  • Prostate Biopsy
  • Breast Biopsy
  • Breast Localization Without Biopsy
  • Post-Procedure Mammogram
  • Specimen Radiograph
  • Soft Tissue Marker
  • Sample Cases: Biopsy
    • Case 1: Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodule
    • Case 2: Ultrasound Breast Biopsy Left
Drainage
  • Cyst Aspiration
  • Joint Aspiration
  • Catheter-Assisted Drainage
  • Pleural Aspiration / Drainage
  • Abdominal Aspiration / Drainage
    • Paracentesis
    • Tunneled Intraperitoneal Catheter
    • Cholecystostomy Tube Placement
  • Drainage Catheter Check and Change
  • Sclerosis
  • Other Aspiration / Drainage
  • Sample Cases: Drainage
    • Case 1: Fluoroscopic and Ultrasound-Guided Placement of a Suprapubic Catheter
    • (14-French Pigtail)
    • Case 2: Thoracentesis
    • Case 3: CT-Guided Pelvic Abscess Drainage
    • Case 4: Ultrasound-Guided Right Thoracentesis, Ultrasound and Fluoroscopic-Guided Right Perinephric Drain Placement
    • Case 5: Management of Ascites
Ablation / Destruction
  • Tumor Ablation
  • Ablation — Electroporation
  • Ablation Guidance Codes
  • Nerve Destruction
  • Cyst Ablation
  • Sample Cases: Ablation
    • Case 1: Pulmonary RFA
    • Case 2: Renal Cyst Aspiration and Sclerosis
Pain Management Injections
  • Spinal Injections
    • Epidural Injections
    • Facet Joint Injections
    • Thoracic Paravertebral Block
    • Sacroiliac Joint Injection
    • Blood Patch
  • Other Pain Management Injections
    • Nerve Block Procedures
  • Sample Cases: Pain Management
    • Case 1: Ultrasound-Guided Injection of the Posterior Knee
    • Case 2: Synovial Cyst Aspiration and Facet Injection
Spinal Procedures
  • Lumbar Puncture
  • Myelography
  • Discography
  • Vertebroplasty, Vertebral Augmentation, and Sacroplasty
  • Lumbar Spine Allogeneic Injection
  • Sample Cases: Spinal Procedures
    • Case 1: Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture and Intrathecal Methotrexate Injection
    • Case 2: Vertebroplasty
Joint Procedures
  • Arthrography
    • Shoulder
    • Elbow
    • Wrist
    • Hip
    • Knee
    • Ankle
    • Sacroiliac Joint
    • CT/MR Arthrography
  • Aspiration, Arthrocentesis, Injection
  • Sample Cases: Joint Procedures
    • Case 1: Shoulder MRI Arthrogram
    • Case 2: Wrist Injection
    • Case 3: Joint Injection and Aspiration
Digestive System, Biliary System and General Abdominal Procedures
  • Salivary Glands
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Colon and Rectum
  • Liver
    • Gastrointestinal: Liver, Hepatic and Biliary System
  • Biliary Tract
  • Pancreas
    • Biopsy
  • General Abdomen / Peritoneum
    • Drainage
    • Biopsy
    • Fiducial Markers
    • Peritoneal Cavity Evaluation and Catheters
    • Gastrostomy, Duodenostomy, Jejunostomy, Cecostomy and Other Colonic Tubes
  • Sample Cases: Digestive System, Biliary System, and General Abdominal
  • Procedures
    • Case 1: Cholangiogram, Biopsy, and Biliary Drainage
    • Case 2: Cholangiogram with Stone Removal
    • Case 3: Tunneled Peritoneal Catheter
Urinary System
  • Diagnostic Studies
  • Therapeutic Procedures
  • Sample Cases: Urinary System
    • Case 1: Loopogram
    • Case 2: Exchange of Nephroureteral Catheter
    • Case 3: Brush Biopsy and Ureteral Stent Placement

Part 2: Vascular Interventional Radiology

Vascular Interventional Radiology
Venous Access
  • Venipuncture
  • Central Venous Access
  • Placement
    • Centrally Inserted
    • Peripherally Inserted
    • Repair
    • Replacement
    • Removal
    • Guidance
    • Other CVA Catheter/Device Procedures
  • Miscellaneous Venous Catheterization Procedures
  • Sample Cases: Venous Access
    • Case 1: Temporary Dialysis Catheter Placement
    • Case 2: Tunneled Catheter and PICC Line
    • Case 3: Tunneled Dialysis Catheter (TDC) Removal
Treatment of Lower Extremity Incompetent Veins
  • Sample Case: Incompetent Veins
Diagnostic Angiography
  • Vascular Angiography Basics
  • Component Codes – Vascular Angiography
  • Catheterization
    • Venous Non-selective Codes
    • Venous Selective Codes
    • Arterial Non-selective Codes
    • Arterial Selective Codes
  • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Venous S&I Codes
    • Arterial S&I Codes
    • Pulmonary S&I Codes
    • Guidance
  • Sample Cases: Component Coding
    • Case 1: Abdominal Aortogram with Bilateral Lower Extremities
    • Case 2: Right Upper Extremity Angiogram
  • Complete Diagnostic Angiography
    • Renal Angiography
    • Arch, Carotid, and Vertebral Angiography
  • Sample Cases: Complete Angiography
    • Case 1: Carotid/Vertebral Angiogram
    • Case 2: Bilateral and Accessory Renal Artery Angiograms
Lymphangiography
  • Component Codes—Lymphangiography
  • Sample Case: Lymphangiography
    • Case 1: Extremity and Pelvic Lymphangiography
Vascular Interventions
  • Angioplasty
  • Stent Placement
  • Atherectomy
  • Thrombolysis
    • Example 1
    • Example 2
  • Mechanical Thrombectomy
  • Embolization
    • Endoleaks
  • Lower Extremity Revascularization
    • Iliac Vascular Territory
    • Femoral and Popliteal Vascular Territory
    • Tibial and Peroneal Vascular Territory
    • Inframalleolar Vascular Territory
    • Intravascular Lithotripsy
    • Endovenous Femoral-Popliteal Arterial Revascularization
    • Endovascular Venous Arterialization
  • Sample Cases: Vascular Interventions
    • Case 1: Right Subclavian Angiogram and Stent
    • Case 2: Aortic and Bilateral Iliac Artery Stenting
    • Case 3: Popliteal Artery Stent
    • Case 4: Visceral Embolization
  • Carotid / Vertebral Interventions
    • Angioplasty and Stent Placement
    • Intracranial Mechanical Thrombectomy / Thrombolysis
    • Non-Thrombolytic Agent Administration
  • Sample Cases: Vascular Interventions
    • Case 1: Carotid Arteriogram and Intervention
    • Case 2: Carotid Embolization
  • Thoracic, Abdominal, and Iliac Stent Grafts
    • EVAR—Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Stent-Grafts (Non-fenestrated)
    • FEVAR—Fenestrated Endovascular Repair of the Visceral and Infrarenal Aorta
    • TEVAR—Endovascular Repair of the Thoracic Aorta
  • Sample Case: Endovascular Stent Graft
  • Arteriovenous Dialysis Graft Angiography and Intervention
    • Percutaneous Creation of Arterivenous Fistula
  • Miscellaneous Vascular Interventions
    • Vena Cava Filter
    • Transcatheter Biopsy
    • Transvenous Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (TIPS)
    • Thrombin Injection
    • Transcatheter Ultrasound Ablation of Pulmonary Artery Nerves
    • Y-90 Radioembolization
    • Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
    • Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) C Codes
  • Sample Cases: Miscellaneous
    • Case 1: Transjugular Biopsy
    • Case 2: IVC Filter Placement
Appendix A: Artificial Intelligence Taxonomy
Product SKU PSIR
Product Categories Books
Specialties and Topics Interventional Radiology

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