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).
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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.
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