We occasionally go to the OR to use ultrasound to assist with D&C, fetal position, lumpectomy, and other procedures. Do we use US intraoperative code 76998?
If the doctor did an ultrasound of the abdomen to evaluate for ascites, would that be an unlisted code or 76705? He looked at the entire abdomen but did not document the elements required for 76700.
I am confused about an answer regarding an ultrasound arthritis survey. It has been stated that when multiple joints are imaged ipsilaterally by ultrasound to report an unlisted code. However, if the physician completes 76881 bilaterally questioning arthritis, that would be 76881-50 or RT, LT, because it is not ipsilateral. Is that your understanding as well? Is there more information that you would have on the issue that you could direct me to?
I have a question regarding the obstetrical (OB) ultrasound documentation guidelines. I know that the uterus and adnexa are required elements, but some of the providers feel that documenting an IUP should be sufficient for the 1st trimester (76801/76802). For codes 76805/76810, the guidelines state maternal adnexa should be reported “when visible.” So, do the doctors not have to document it when it is not visible?
Are there separate codes for Pyeloric Ultrasound (US) and ultrasound Abdomen? If so, can these be charged separately if ordered on the same day, same session? Or is it all a US abdomen?
For ultrasound exams that are non-diagnostic due to gas, body habitus, etc. is it appropriate to down code to a limited exam (if ordered as complete) and append a modifier 52?
Can you please recommend an appropriate code for an ultrasound of soft tissue mass upper back?
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?
Can we bill for an ultrasound done with a handheld device? Are there special guidelines for this? I know that Clinical Examples in Radiology (CER) noted in 2012 that a hand-held device could not be used for 76937.
What is the code for an ultrasound of the prostate?
Do you have any tips when reporting an injection/aspiration under ultrasound guidance?
We often report codes 76700 and 3975 together. Do we need a modifier?
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