ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Not So FAST On Assigning Ultrasound Codes For Blunt Trauma
Question: What would be the CPT®code for ultrasounds done in ER for blunt chest and blunt abdominal trauma? Consider this procedure note for example:
Scope: rule out free intra-abdominal and peri-cardinal fluid.
Impression: Hepatorenial space visualized, splenorenal space visualized, no free fluid noted, left kidney visualized, right kidney visualized, liver visualized, bladder visualized, heart visualized. Pericardinal effusion absent. Wall motion present.
Any help is appreciated.
Answer: The procedure you describeis consistent with FAST Exam or Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma exam. The FAST exam is actually 2 distinct diagnostic services looking for free fluid in the abdomen and examining the pericardium. You would report two codes when the documentation indicates performance of a FAST:
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