Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

76881 and 76882 Have Crucial Guidelines

Published on Thu Mar 01, 2012

Question: How do you determine complete or limited for 76881 and 76882?

Codify Member

Answer: The guidelines are the key to understanding proper use of these codes:

76881, Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation; complete
76882, ... limited, anatomic specific.

Complete: CPT® guidelines instruct that complete code 76881 includes real time ultrasound scans of a joint. Documentation for a complete ultrasound should reference related "muscles, tendons, joint, other soft tissue structures, and any identifiable abnormality."

Limited: Limited study code 76882 applies to the examination of a specific anatomic structure, including a muscle, tendon, joint, or other soft tissue. For example, you may see a limited exam for an Achilles tendon injury.

Code 76882 also is appropriate for a soft-tissue mass evaluation if the physician needs to learn its cystic or solid characteristics.

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