AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2018 Issue 4 (Fall)
Liver Ultrasound and Ultrasound Elastography
CLINICAL EXAMPLE 1 Liver Ultrasound and Ultrasound Elastography CLINICAL DATA A 45-year-old male with a history of cirrhosis and a hepatic mass is referred for ultrasound elastography. PROCEDURE Liver ultrasound and ultrasound elastography TECHNIQUE 76705 0346T Transabdominal ultrasound imaging of the liver, gallbladder, retroperitoneum, spleen, and kidneys was performed. Ultrasound-guided shear wave elastography of the liver was performed in order to assess for the degree of liver fibrosis. FINDINGS A 2.4-cm solitary heterogeneously hypoechoic mass is identified in segment V of the liver. The surrounding liver parenchyma appears heterogeneous. A small volume of peri-hepatic free fluid is present...
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Article Overview
This coding article explains how a liver ultrasound with ultrasound elastography is addressed in different coding years, including the transition from a Category III elastography code to newer CPT ultrasound elastography codes. It also discusses related ICD-10-CM diagnosis reporting, the distinction between imaging-based and nonimaging elastography, and related Medicare/NCCI considerations. The article is aimed at coders, billers, and radiology professionals who need to align ultrasound elastography services with current coding guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Liver ultrasound elastography is a commonly encountered radiology service with coding that changed over time. Understanding the article helps users identify the applicable ultrasound and diagnosis coding context and recognize the broader Medicare edit environment discussed by the source.
Article Sections
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Clinical Example 1
A radiology case scenario involving liver ultrasound and elastography, with clinical context, findings, and measurements.
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How to Code
Year-specific coding guidance is presented for the reported ultrasound and elastography services, along with related diagnosis coding references.
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Discussion
Broader background is provided on ultrasound elastography, coding distinctions over time, related CPT and ICD-10-CM references, and Medicare/NCCI context.
What You Will Learn
- How the article addresses liver ultrasound elastography coding across different service dates
- What general categories of ultrasound and diagnosis coding are discussed
- How the article frames imaging-based versus nonimaging elastography at a high level
- What Medicare-related edit context is mentioned for the service combination
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Physician documentation staff
- Imaging department personnel
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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