Urology Coding Alert

Question: We use CPT 76775 for renal sonography the urologist performs for a Medicare patient. Should we use that same code for renal sonography when submitting claims to private insurance carriers, or do they prefer CPT 76705?

Alabama Subscriber

Answer: Although 76775 and 76705 represent entirely different types of studies, to properly identify a service you will need to know what your local carrier's policy may be for coding a service such as a renal sonogram.
 
All Medicare carriers and most private carriers will recognize 76775 (Ultrasound, retroperitoneal [e.g., renal, aorta, nodes], B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; limited) for renal sonography. Code 76775 represents a limited study of the retroperitoneum, which includes a study of the kidneys.
 
But if a local medical review policy or guidelines directly from your local carrier instruct you to report 76705 (Ultrasound, abdominal, B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; limited [e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up]) for renal sonography, follow their recommendations. Code 76705 also represents a limited study, but one of an abdominal organ.