What is the difference between CPT code 76881 and 76882?
What is the difference between CPT code 76881 and 76882?
As you can see the below description, CPT code 76881 exam includes the joint space and the surrounding soft tissues. While CPT code 76882 is a limited exam which involves a joint space or surrounding soft tissues such as tendons or nerves.
Does CPT code 76882 need a modifier?
In order to be reimbursed separately for the radiology service, Modifier 59 would need to be appended to CPT 76882 and a corrected claim would need to be sent to Medicare. Adding the modifier should resolve the issue with payment without filing a redetermination to Medicare to justify separate payment.
Can CPT code 76882 be billed bilaterally?
Yes! The CPT description states 76881 and 76882 as Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation, so of this is done bilaterally you can code this twice and use LT/RT to differentiate the service.
How do you bill musculoskeletal ultrasound?
The bundled CPT codes for joint injection with musculoskeletal ultrasound guidance are 20604 (e.g., fingers, toes), 20606 (e.g., wrist, ankle, elbow) and 20611 (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee). The specified code for a limited diagnostic ultrasound is 76882 and for a complete diagnostic evaluation is 76881.
What is the CPT code for 76881?
CPT® Code 76881 – Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures of the Extremities – Codify by AAPC.
What is the CPT code for ultrasound guided injections?
CPT Code 76942, Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection and localization device), imaging supervision and interpretation, is an appropriate code for certain procedures when performed. In these cases, the primary injection code is billed in addition to 76942 for ultrasound guidance.
Can you bill ultrasound with trigger point injections?
Trigger point injections must be billed one line regardless how many injections. For instance, if your pain doc performed trigger points on 2 muscles, report 20552 x 1 unit… (not 2 units for 2 muscles!) CPT 20553 is NOT an add-on code!
What is the CPT code for musculoskeletal ultrasound?
76881 describes a complete examination which includes the examination and documentation of the muscles, tendons, joint, and other soft tissue structures and any identifiable abnormality of the joint under evaluation.
What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
•An imaging procedure that allows doctors to see muscles, joints, and more. •For diagnosing muscle tears/strains, nerves, and arthritis. •Physical therapy or injection of medicine may be next step. •Involves radiology and center for musculoskeletal care.
Is CPT 76881 bilateral?
Answer: If bilateral exams of a particular joint such as hip or ankle were performed, then you can assign code 76881 or 76882 x 2 (or once with modifier 50).