Count of Previous CT (Any Type of CT) and Cardiac Nuclear Medicine (Myocardial Perfusion) Studies Documented in the 12-Month Period Prior to the Current Study (G9321)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Count of Previous CT and Myocardial Perfusion Studies
• Technical/Medical Term: G9321

Summary

G9321 is a procedure that involves counting the number of prior computed tomography (CT) scans of any type and cardiac nuclear medicine studies (specifically myocardial perfusion studies) that a patient has undergone in the past 12 months before the current study.

Purpose

The procedure aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the patient's radiological and cardiac nuclear medicine history. It helps in understanding the patient's exposure to diagnostic imaging and in making informed decisions for further diagnostics and treatments.

Indications

• Evaluation of a patient's imaging history for better clinical decision-making.
• Assessing cumulative radiation exposure.
• Planning for future diagnostic studies, especially in cases where prior imaging has been extensive.

Preparation

• No special preparation required from the patient.
• Prior medical records and imaging study reports should be collected and reviewed.

Procedure Description

1. Data Collection: Gather all the patient’s medical records from the past 12 months.
2. Identification: Identify and list all CT scans and myocardial perfusion studies performed during this period.
3. Count & Document: Count the total number of each type of study and document them in the patient’s current medical records.
   • Tools: Medical records, Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
   • Anesthesia: Not applicable.

Duration

The procedure duration can vary depending on the availability and completeness of the patient's medical records but typically takes about 30-60 minutes.

Setting

• Typically performed in a hospital setting, outpatient clinic, or through healthcare administrative offices.

Personnel

• Healthcare professionals involved include medical coders, radiologists, and administrative staff.

Risks and Complications

• Risks: Minimal, as it is a non-invasive and administrative procedure.
• Complications: Potential for incomplete or inaccurate medical records.

Benefits

• Provides a clear and organized overview of a patient’s diagnostic imaging history.
• Aids in reducing unnecessary exposure to further radiation.
• Supports more precise and informed clinical decision-making.

Recovery

• No recovery is needed, as the procedure is administrative.

Alternatives

• No direct alternatives to the counting of previous studies; however, similar outcomes can be achieved through meticulous manual chart reviews by clinicians.

Patient Experience

• During: The patient typically does not experience anything directly as it is a behind-the-scenes procedure.
• After: The patient benefits from more informed healthcare decisions based on their comprehensive imaging history. No pain management measures are necessary.