Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: We have a fluoroscopy machine in our office, and we bill 76000 when the surgeon uses it with procedures. Since CPT states that this is a timed service (up to one hour), should we only bill once for several different anatomic sites or bill 76000 for each different site that the surgeon addresses?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: You should report only a single unit of 76000 (Fluoroscopy [separate procedure], up to one hour physician time, other than 71023 or 71034 [e.g., cardiac fluoroscopy]) regardless of the number of sites the surgeon addresses. This is because the surgeon sets up the guidance system once, so he does not expend additional significant work when he uses the guidance on more than one site.

You could possibly report 76000 more than once on the same date of service, but only for separate patient encounters, which is unlikely.

If a practice does not own the fluoroscopy equipment or if the surgeon performs the fluoro in the facility setting, remember to append modifier 26 (Professional component) to 76000.