Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: My physician has begun using radiologic guidance during paracentesis and thoracentesis procedures. How should I code this?

Maryland Subscriber

Answer: Report 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation) for the guidance. If your physician does not own the equipment or orders the service in a facility-based setting, append modifier 26 (Professional component) to the claim.

Remember: You must have a formal report of interpretation before billing radiology services.