AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2018 Issue 4 (Fall)
Intravenous Contrast-Enhanced Abdominal Ultrasound
Intravenous Contrast-Enhanced Abdominal Ultrasound HOW TO CODE 76705 Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (eg, single organ, quadrant, follow-up) 96374 Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); intravenous push, single or initial substance/drug Q9950 X5 Injection, sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres, per mL D37.6 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of liver, gallbladder and bile ducts B18.2 Chronic viral hepatitis C DISCUSSION For dates of service before January 1, 2019, the imaging component of this procedure is reported with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ® ) code 76705 , Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (eg...
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Article Overview
This premium article covers coding for intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal ultrasound, including the applicable procedure, injection, supply, and diagnosis coding framework for services before and after a 2019 code update. It also discusses related CPT and HCPCS Level II reporting context, Medicare facility considerations, and references to ICD-10-CM guidance for outpatient diagnosis coding. The content is intended for coders, billing staff, radiology practices, and others who need to understand how this imaging service is represented in medical coding references.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting for contrast-enhanced ultrasound affects claim submission, diagnosis linkage, and how the imaging service and contrast supply are distinguished in different care settings and time periods. The article is relevant for radiology coding workflows and for understanding changes in coding references tied to the 2019 CPT update.
Article Sections
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How to code
Overview of the codes referenced for the imaging service, injection administration, contrast supply, and related diagnosis reporting.
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Discussion
Explanation of the coding context for services before and after the 2019 update, including facility and Medicare-related considerations and general documentation themes.
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Sources
Reference list of coding publications and organizational materials cited in the article.
What You Will Learn
- Which code sets are associated with this ultrasound service
- How the article frames coding before and after the 2019 update
- What general categories of reporting are discussed for the procedure, injection, supply, and diagnoses
- Which organizations and reference publications are cited as sources
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Physician practice administrators
- Hospital outpatient coding staff
- Imaging center staff
Codes Discussed
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