Radiology Coding Alert

Question: For a freestanding radiation therapy clinic that owns the B-mode US (BAT scan), is it appropriate to bill 79650 globally, technically, or professionally? If so, at what frequency can we bill daily or weekly?

California Subscriber

Answer: At one time, CPT distinguished between B-scan and non-B-scan echography with two codes:

CPT procedure code 76960 was deleted, and 76950 was revised to read "Ultrasonic guidance for placement of radiation therapy fields." This is the code you should use whether or not B-scan was used. Report 76950 when reporting associated ultrasonic procedures to aid in the placement of radiation therapy fields.

76950 can be billed either globally or as a technical or professional component only. As far as frequency is concerned, there do not appear to be frequency limitations on the use of this code. Therefore, each time ultrasound guidance is used for placement, the code can be billed; however, it should not be billed multiple times in conjunction with the same session.