CPT

What is the correct use of modifiers when reporting bilateral or bilateral primary procedures for lower extremity revascularization procedures?

I’ve heard that starting this year, there will be new territories for the 2026 lower extremity revascularization code set as part of the overhaul. Is this true?

Ordered as a bilateral complete breast ultrasound, what is the proper code assignment? Complete real-time ultrasonography of the left breast was performed. Dense tissue is seen throughout. A 4 mm simple cyst is identified at the 12:00 position, 2 cm from the nipple. No concerning solid mass is seen in the left breast. A prominent left axillary lymph node measuring 9 mm in short axis is noted. Ultrasonography of the right chest wall and axilla was performed. No concerning lesion is identified.

If a nuclear medicine planar scan is performed of the knees for a possible infection, would this be coded as 78300 or 78800? Does it matter which radiopharmaceutical was used? Nuclear medicine technologists are saying it should be coded as an infection scan using 78800. Their point is that an infection radiopharmaceutical is being used, so it should be coded as 78800. However, when I read the heading of the section for 78800, it states “(for specific organ, see appropriate heading),” which would be the musculoskeletal system. Since a limited planar scan is present in that section, I believe 78300 should be used.