Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Scrutinize Documentation for G0389 Crosswalk
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Question: We use G0389 for AAA screening of Medicare patients. What is the corresponding CPT® code for commercial payers?
Answer: CPT® doesn't provide a precise match for G0389 (Ultrasound B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; for abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA] screening), but your most likely options are 76700-76705 (Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation ...) and 76770-76775 (Ultrasound, retroperitoneal [e.g., renal, aorta, nodes], real time with image documentation ...).
CPT® guidelines state that retroperitoneal ultrasound includes examination of the abdominal aorta, and experts indicate physicians are most likely to perform a limited retroperitoneal ultrasound (76775, ... limited) to screen for AAA.
Caution: Coverage for screening will depend on the particular payer's policy. Be sure to choose the appropriate diagnosis code. If no AAA is found, consider using V81.2 (Special screening for cardiovascular, respiratory, and genitourinary diseases; other and unspecified cardiovascular conditions).
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