Reader Question:
G0389 Counterpart Depends on Documentation
Published on Thu Nov 17, 2011
Question:
We use G0389 for AAA screening of Medicare patients. What is the corresponding CPT® code for commercial payers?Codify Member
Answer:
CPT® doesn't provide a precise match for G0389 (
Ultrasound B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; for abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA] screening), but your most likely options are 76700-76705 (
Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation ...) and 76770-76775 (
Ultrasound, retroperitoneal [e.g., renal, aorta, nodes], real time with image documentation ...).
CPT® guidelines state that retroperitoneal ultrasound includes examination of the abdominal aorta, and experts indicate physicians are most likely to perform a limited retroperitoneal ultrasound (76775, ... limited) to screen for AAA.
Caution:
Coverage for screening will depend on the particular payer's policy. Be sure to choose the appropriate diagnosis code. If no AAA is found, consider using V81.2 (
Special screening for cardiovascular, respiratory, and genitourinary diseases; other and unspecified cardiovascular conditions).