ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: Can you tell us if many ED groups are successfully coding and billing for ultrasound services. Specifically, we are considering billing for an ultrasound scan to measuring bladder volume/retained urine and aorta scans to rule out AAA. We are looking at CPT® 76775 for the aorta and 51798 for bladder volume. Also can you tell us if there are specific documentation requirements to qualify for billing these services and if so what the requirements are?New Jersey SubscriberAnswer: Many groups do successfully report and receive payment for interpreting ultrasound services. Because most groups don't own the ultrasound equipment, report the professional component of the ultrasound service by appending the 26 modifier to the appropriate code, even if the physician is personally doing the scan rather than an ultrasound tech.All diagnostic ultrasound examinations require permanently archived images and a written interpretive report for inclusion in the medial record. CPT® language is [...]