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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

76604 or 76705 Offers Back Ultrasound Option

Published on Fri May 04, 2012

Question: Which ultrasound code applies for examining a mass on the back?Rhode Island SubscriberAnswer: The answer depends on whether the physician documents the mass as being on the upper back or the lower back.CPT® Assistant (May 2009) supports the following coding for ultrasound of a palpable soft-tissue mass:Upper back: 76604, Ultrasound, chest (includes mediastinum), real time with image documentationLower back: 76705, Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up).
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