Radiology Question for the Week of February 22, 2021

Question:

If we do bilateral groin ultrasounds for possible bilateral inguinal hernias, should I charge/code the patient for two, and do I have to use modifiers if I do so? Which code and which modifiers would I use?

Answer:

When performing an ultrasound to check for inguinal hernias, that would be billed as limited extremity 76882. Depending on payer preference it would be 76882-50, 76882-RT and 76882-LT, or 76882 x 2. At the time of writing, for Medicare, you would need to bill 76882 x 2 because Medicare does not allow either modifier 50 or modifiers RT and LT with 76882.

This question was answered in our Breast & Bone Density Procedure Coding Guide. For more hot topics relating to radiology services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.