Ask Dr. Z

We are wondering if it is allowed to bill for a completed diagnostic radiology exam on the technical side (hospital facility) without there being a finalized (signed by attending radiologist) interpretation of the diagnostic study. We see that the resources were consumed, the patient had medical necessity to order the test and have images taken, but perhaps there may not have been a finalized/signed by attending interpretation of these images. Images were retained, the order is in place, but no report. Please advise on the facility technical billing piece, whether or not a finalized signed interpretation is required to be able to bill for the technical piece of the diagnostic exam.