Reader Question:
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Published on Thu Dec 20, 2012
Question: How can I code a transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries to follow follicles in a gonadotropin stimulated cycle? Generally, I perform one ultrasound when I see the patient initially and code 76856, then code 76857 for the follow-up transvaginal scans used to measure follicles. The corresponding diagnosis is usually an infertility code like 628.9 (infertility, female, of unspecified origin).
Maryland Subscriber
Answer: There are two options for billing an initial ultrasound: 76830 (echography, transvaginal) or 76856 (echography, pelvic [nonobstetric], B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; complete). The only difference between the two is that the procedure described by 76830 uses a vaginal transducer, while 76856 is performed with an abdominal transducer. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynocologists Ob/Gyn Coding Manual: Components of Correct Procedural Coding, the imaging for both procedures involves a study of the uterus, tubes, [...]
