Is it necessary to have a permanent archive of 3D images acquired on a CTA study?
Yes, the ACR believes that it is necessary to have a permanent archive of 3D images acquired on a CTA study. The axial data set from which 3D images are created is insufficient for the reporting of a CTA study. When reformatted images are acquired and interpreted in addition to the CT axial images, the reformatted images are a part of the study and should be permanently archived. Just as it is required that a permanent hardcopy image be maintained for a plain film study, permanent CTA reformatted images should be permanently archived. Q: How should a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) be reported? There has been confusion recently after publication of a recent CPT Assistant Q&A regarding the reporting of a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) study. The ACR is in the process of working with the AMA to provide clarification. Note that when an MRCP study is performed alone, it is appropriate to report one of the MRI of the abdomen codes (74181, 74182 or 7418
