News You Can Use: Assist From CPT Aids Trunk US Coding

Why This Topic Matters

Ultrasound coding can be a source of denial or recoupment if the selected code, body-area assignment, or billing component is inconsistent with current guidance. This article matters because it highlights how CPT Assistant has clarified several common ultrasound reporting scenarios relevant to emergency department documentation and claim accuracy.

Article Sections

1. Mediastinum and chest ultrasound guidance

   This section discusses CPT Assistant guidance on chest ultrasound reporting and the relationship of chest imaging to associated anatomic structures.

2. Soft-tissue ultrasound by anatomic location

   This section reviews how ultrasound services for palpable soft-tissue findings are grouped by body region and how CPT has organized the related reporting categories.

3. Modifier 26

   This section addresses professional component billing for ultrasound services and the use of a modifier to distinguish physician work from equipment-related services.