76770
Is is correct coding to bill a complete Renal Ultrasound ( 76770) with just kidneys and bladder documented, hx/clinical is “Flank Pain”?
Thanks
Kimberley Tober, CPC
Franklin, TN
Here's what CPT assistant has to say:
Ultrasound of bladder, kidneys and ureters
CPT Assistant, May 1999 Page: 10 Category:
Note from 3M:
As of January 1, 2007
Ÿ 76536, 76604, 76645, 76700, 76770, 76856 and 76880 have been revised. They no longer include B-scan.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Question
What are the appropriate CPT codes to report ultrasound of the bladder, ultrasound of the kidney, and ultrasound study of the bladder, kidneys and ureters?
AMA Comment
You should report CPT code 76775, Echography, retroperitoneal (eg, renal, aorta, nodes), B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; limited, if an ultrasound examination of a single organ (eg, kidney or urinary bladder) is performed. CPT code 76770, Echography, retroperitoneal (eg, renal, aorta, nodes), B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; complete, would be reported if a complete ultrasound examination of the urinary tract (eg, kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder) is performed.
CPT Assistant © Copyright 1990–2009 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved
So, unless all areas are performed, I wouldn't code the 76770. I would use the 76775, it's listed as: ultrasound, retroperitoneal; limited.
According to CPT "A complete ultrasound examination of the retroperitoneum (76770) consists of real time scans of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, common iliac artery origins, and inferior vena cava, including any demonstrated retroperitoneal abnormality."
Anyone else?