Wiki Ultrasound Musculoskeletal

RachelCoder

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New Coder needs help! :)

My practice is using CPT 76881 for Ultrasounds of the Musculosketal but they are being denied. Does any one know of a link or any help where I can get information on these ultrasounds?

Thanks :)
 
76881 is an ultrasound intended for the extremity, a complete study, which a muscle, tendon, joint and any palpable abnormality are being surveyed. Make sure all the organs are mentioned. This is usually done for surveilance of any soft tissue abnormality. This exam is not intended for any skeletal abnormality, so focus on diagnosis for the soft tissue.

-Rod Bangilan CPC, CPC-H
 
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musculoskeletal covers a lot of area - 76881 is very specific to extremity and would not often be coded (76882 would be more common).
Soft tissue ultrasounds are coded to body area. AMA published a list of suggested codes in CPT Assistant, May 2009. ACR also published a list in the Ultrasound Coding User's Guide.
 
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