Radiology Coding Alert
Avoid Mixing These Ob/Non-Ob US Codes Together
Still trying to determine how NCCI version 13.0 will affect your coding? Check out this additional edit news offered by Jackie Miller, RHIA, CPC, senior coding consultant for Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.
• Nuchal translucency edits: New code 76813 (Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real-time with image documentation, first trimester fetal nuchal translucency measurement, transabdominal or transvaginal approach; single or first gestation) is mutually exclusive with column 2 codes 76830 (Ultrasound, transvaginal) and 76857 (Ultrasound, pelvic [nonobstetric], real-time with image documentation; limited or follow-up [e.g., for follicles]), which are for non-obstetrical studies.
And 76813 is a mutually exclusive column 2 code for two other non-obstetrical studies, 76831 (Saline infusion sonohysterography [SIS], including color flow Doppler, when performed) and 76856 (Ultrasound, pelvic [nonobstetric], real-time with image documentation; complete).
• Venography and US guidance: Codes 36005 (Injection procedure for extremity venography [including introduction of needle or intracatheter]) and 76998 (Ultrasonic guidance, intraoperative) are now bundled into CT and MR studies that require contrast.
For example, 36005 and 76998 are column 2 codes (non-mutually exclusive) for head CT with contrast (70460, Computed tomography, head or brain; with contrast materials[s]) and without and with contrast (70470, ... without contrast material, followed by contrast material[s] and further sections).
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Montana Subscriber
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