Radiology Coding Alert

Question: For code 76942, which modifiers are allowed, and how do I report units?Codify MemberAnswer: In relation to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS), the modifier you're most likely to use with 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation) is modifier 26 (Professional component). Modifier 26 tells the payer you're reporting the physician's services. Those reporting only the technical component append modifier TC (Technical component). If you're reporting the global service (professional and technical combined), you should not append 26 or TC.When appropriate, the MPFS allows use of the following modifiers if you send documentation supporting medical necessity:Modifier 80, Assistant surgeonModifier 81, Minimum assistant surgeonModifier 82, Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available).Units: Medicare lists a Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) of 1 for 76942. That means if you report more than one unit of 76942 on a line for a [...]