AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2016 Issue 3 (Summer)
Radiology Test Case Answer: Contrast-enhanced Liver Ultrasound
RADIOLOGY TEST CASE ANSWER Contrast-enhanced Liver 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 x3 Injection, sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres, per mL DISCUSSION On April 4, 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/ approved an ultrasound contrast agent (sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres) for use in ultrasonography of the liver for characterization of focal liver lesions in adult and pediatric patients. This contrast agent is used in determining if...
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Article Overview
This article explains a radiology test case involving contrast-enhanced liver ultrasound and discusses the coding and documentation context around the exam. It is aimed at coders, billers, radiology staff, and compliance professionals who need to understand how ultrasound procedures, contrast administration, and related payer guidance are presented in the source material. The article also touches on CPT and HCPCS Level II references, CMS guidance on discarded drugs, and documentation considerations for reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers identify the relevant imaging, injection, and contrast-agent coding framework for a liver ultrasound case while also highlighting payer and documentation topics that can affect claim handling.
Article Sections
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How to Code
Introduces the coding elements associated with the case and presents the primary procedure and supply identifiers discussed in the article.
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Discussion
Provides background on the clinical scenario, contrasts the imaging context with other modalities, and addresses reporting and payer-related considerations.
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Coding Tips
Summarizes documentation and reporting considerations drawn from the CPT codebook and related ultrasound guidance.
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References
Lists source references and publication context supporting the case discussion.
What You Will Learn
- The general coding context for a contrast-enhanced liver ultrasound case
- How the article frames imaging, injection, and contrast-agent reporting
- The documentation and payer considerations highlighted by the source
- The related CPT, HCPCS Level II, and CMS topics referenced in the discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billers
- Compliance staff
- Physician practice administrators
- Hospital coding departments
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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