A diagnostic radiology service can be divided into a professional component and a technical component, reported with modifiers 26 and TC. Which description correctly identifies what the professional component of such a service comprises?
- AThe imaging equipment, film or digital media, supplies, and the technologist's time for the study
- BThe physician's supervision of the study, interpretation of the images, and the signed written report Correct
- CThe physician's interpretation together with the room, equipment, and the technologist's time combined
- DThe technologist's positioning of the patient and acquisition of the images under a physician's order
Why A is wrong: Tempting because these are genuine cost elements of imaging, but equipment, supplies, and technologist time form the technical component (TC), not the professional component.
Why B is correct: Correct, because the professional component is the physician's supervision, interpretation, and signed written report, reported with modifier 26.
Why C is wrong: Tempting because it includes the interpretation, but adding the room, equipment, and technologist time describes the global service, not the professional component alone.
Why D is wrong: Tempting because image acquisition is essential to the study, but acquiring the images is technical work, not the physician's professional component.