Radiology Coding Education: Is 76705 OK for Back?

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by Editor in Coding Challenge

Question: For a lower back ultrasound of a soft tissue mass, which CPT code is appropriate?

Answer: Code 76705 (Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited [e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up]) is appropriate for this lower back ultrasound.

Although the code descriptor states “abdominal” and not “back,” CPT Assistant (May 2009) clarifies that 76705 is appropriate for a lower back or abdominal wall soft tissue mass ultrasound.

Bonus tip: You might be surprised to discover these other not-so-obvious anatomy/code pairings that CPT Assistant supports:

• chest wall, upper back: 76604 (Ultrasound chest [includes mediastinum], real time with image documentation)

• pelvic wall, buttock, perineum: 76857 (Ultrasound, pelvic [nonobstetric], real time with image documentation; limited or follow-up [e.g., for follicles])

• upper extremity, axilla, groin, lower extremity: 76880 (Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real time with image documentation).

© Radiology Coding Alert. Download your 2 FREE sample issues here.

You won’t believe the coding and reimbursement changes ahead for radiology in 2010. Your entire office can get the audio update you need for one low price.

Bookmark and Share

Click here to login and get access to this article if you already receive the CodingNews Wire

If you've already signed in and are still seeing this screen, click here to refresh the page.

CodingNews Wire
Free registration required for full access to articles.
You will also receive
  • Free updates on CPT, ICD-9, HCPCS, Medicare, NCCI edits, and ICD-10.
  • Discounts on 3rd party offers
Join now
You must have javascript enabled to use this form


Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , , , ,

2 Responses to “Radiology Coding Education: Is 76705 OK for Back?”

  1. AC TAYLOR

    07. Dec, 2009

    I AM ON-LINE(WEB) TRYING LOCATE A CLASS OR SEMINAR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR CODING IN MY AERA WITHIN THE NEXT 2-3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL SO FAR. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION YOU FORWARD TO ME FOR THE MARYLAND/WASHINGTON/VIRGINIA AERA IF POSSIBLE.

  2. Editor

    07. Dec, 2009

    Hi, AC:

    Coding Cert is launching a class to help people prepare for the cardiology specialty certification, or CCC. If you keep an eye on this page, you can look for 3-day intensive courses coming to your area next year: http://www.codingcert.com/ccc.html#5

Leave a Reply