Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

76942 With 76881 or 76882 Should Be Allowed

Question: Our neurologist sometimes performs an ultrasound diagnostic test on the same date of service as an ultrasound guided procedure or ultrasound exam. If we report both services, will the ultrasound procedure or exam be bundled or reimbursed? 

California Subscriber

Answer: In this scenario, you’re considering code 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation) along with either 76881 (Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation; complete) or 76882 (… limited, anatomic specific). 

Current coding edits do not prevent you from reporting these services together, so the ultrasound services should be reimbursed assuming the usual requirements are met (orders, medical necessity, supporting diagnoses, etc.). 

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