Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Does the new CPT 51798 include a professional component that we can report using modifier -26?

South Dakota Subscriber

Answer: Unfortunately, CMS does not associate any physician work with 51798 (Measurement of post-voiding residual urine and/or bladder capacity by ultrasound, non-imaging), so you cannot split it into modifiers -TC (Technical component) and -26 (Professional component). If your practice reads the results after a separate facility performs the actual measurement, you should include your professional interpretation of the study in your documentation and the work that supports your charge for your E/M services for the day.

Effective March 31, carriers will no longer accept the previous code G0050 (Measurement of post-voiding residual urine and/or bladder capacity by ultrasound).