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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Is Ultrasound OK With Craniotomy?

Published on Fri Aug 12, 2005

Question: May we report ultrasound guidance in addition to craniotomy?


Michigan Subscriber


Answer: Yes, you can report intraoperative ultrasounds using 76986 (Ultrasonic guidance, intra-operative) at the same time as a craniotomy.

Remember: If the surgeon provides the ultrasound in a facility setting or uses equipment he does not own, you must append modifier 26 (Professional component) to 76986. The facility will bill separately for the technical component of the ultrasound (in other words., payment for use of its equipment) using 76986-TC.

Keep in mind: Some facilities have a rule whereby the radiologist alone can report the interpretation. In this case, the surgeon cannot report a second interpretation using 76986.
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