AMA CPT® Assistant - 2015 Issue 8 (August)
Radiology: Diagnostic Ultrasound (Q&A) (August 2015)
August 2015 page 8cc Radiology: Diagnostic Ultrasound Question: A patient is taken to the operating room (OR) for the creation of a left-sided radiocephalic arteriovenous (AV) fistula. After anesthesia induction, the surgeon performs a left upper extremity ultrasound, which demonstrates the cephalic vein is adequate for creating a primary fistula. The surgeon proceeds with the creation of the AV fistula (code 36821). Should code 76998 be reported because ultrasound guidance was used prior to incision? Answer: No, it is not appropriate to report code 76998, Ultrasound guidance, intra-operative, for the ultrasound guidance used to identify which vein(s) are suitable...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains a coding question from radiology involving diagnostic ultrasound in the setting of vascular access surgery. It is written for coders and other revenue cycle professionals who need to understand the scope of ultrasound-related reporting, the relationship to surgical procedures, and the general circumstances discussed by the source material. The article also references CPT guidance and focuses on how the issue is framed in a question-and-answer format.
Why This Topic Matters
Ultrasound use around operative procedures can affect whether an additional service is separately reportable, so this topic is important for accurate radiology and surgical coding review. It helps readers identify when the article is relevant to ultrasound documentation, vascular access creation, and CPT Assistant guidance.
Article Sections
-
August 2015 page 8cc
Introductory publication information and article context for the Q&A item.
-
Radiology: Diagnostic Ultrasound
A coding question and response focused on diagnostic ultrasound in an operative setting. The section discusses the general reporting context for ultrasound used around vascular access surgery.
What You Will Learn
- The general topic of ultrasound reporting in relation to operative procedures
- How the article frames a question about imaging performed before incision
- The type of coding guidance discussed for vascular access surgery documentation
- The relevance of CPT Assistant Q&A content for radiology coding review
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Surgical coders
- CPT coders
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Compliance professionals
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
