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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Triplet Ultrasound Is No Trouble

Published on Mon Sep 06, 2010

Question: I code ultrasounds at our multispecialty clinic. The physician ordered an ultrasound in gestation week 12 to confirm the presence of triplets. How should I report this service?Connecticut SubscriberAnswer: You should report:fetus 1: 76801 " Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation, first trimester (< 14 weeks 0 days), transabdominal approach; single or first gestationfetus 2: +76802 " ... each additional gestation (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)fetus 3: +76802-59 " ... Distinct procedural service. According to CPT guidelines, 76801 and +76802 include the following:determining the number of gestational sacs and fetuses taking gestational sac and fetus measurementssurveying visible fetal and placental anatomic structure providing qualitative assessment of amniotic fluid volume and gestational sac shapeexamining the mother's uterus and adnexal structures.Next visit: For each subsequent ultrasound during the patient's pregnancy, you should normally use 76816 (Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with [...]
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