AMA CPT® Assistant - 2017 Issue 5 (May)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (76706) (May 2017)
May 1-27 page 8 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (76706) Effective January 1, 2017, code 76706, Ultrasound, abdominal aorta, real time with image documentation, screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), should be used to report AAA ultrasound screening. This code was established in support of the recommendation of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for screening ultrasound evaluation of the aorta. Per the ultrasound guidelines, code 76706 includes interpretation and report of the results of the screening. Do not report code 76706 for performance of screening that does not include clinician interpretation and creation of a report...
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Article Overview
This article explains abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound in the context of CPT® coding, prior HCPCS reporting, and the USPSTF and Medicare screening framework. It is relevant to coders, billers, and clinicians who need to understand the scope of the screening service, related aortic ultrasound categories, and the documentation context discussed in the article.
Why This Topic Matters
AAA screening is a common preventive imaging topic with coding implications that changed over time. Understanding the article helps users recognize which code set applies, what broader guidance surrounds the screening service, and how the article situates the exam within preventive care and diagnostic ultrasound categories.
Article Sections
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Introduces the screening topic, the associated CPT® service, and the broader preventive imaging context. It also notes related guidance from national screening and Medicare sources.
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Abdomen and Retroperitoneum
Places the screening service within the abdominal and retroperitoneal ultrasound category. It identifies related aortic ultrasound references and distinguishes screening from other ultrasound categories.
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Clinical Example (76706) / Description of Procedure (76706)
Provides a brief clinical vignette and a short procedure narrative for the screening service. This section illustrates the general exam setting and documentation context discussed in the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames abdominal aortic aneurysm screening within preventive imaging
- Which coding families are discussed for screening and non-screening aortic ultrasound
- What organizations and screening programs are referenced in the article
- How the article contextualizes documentation and reporting for the screening service
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Clinicians involved in preventive imaging documentation
Codes Discussed
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