Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question:The ob-gyn routinely performs an ultrasound (US) at 7-9 weeks (76801) to check the number of fetal sacs as well as checking for fetal heart tones. Is this diagnosis V28.3? She also routinely performs an US (76815) for a single pregnancy at 28 weeks to check if fetal growth matches estimate date of confinement (EDC). The diagnosis I would use for that is V28.81. Is that correct? California SubscriberAnswer:For that first exam at 7-9 weeks, you can use V28.3 (Encounter for routine screening for malformation using ultrasonics). But code V28.81 (Encounter for fetal anatomic survey) is for a fetal anatomic survey and is more appropriate to report with 76805/+76810 (Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation, after first trimester [> or = 14 weeks 0 days], transabdominal approach; single or first gestation).Correct options: You have a gamut of diagnoses to support the ultrasound at 28 weeks, all of [...]