How To Use CPT Code 76700

CPT 76700 refers to a complete abdominal ultrasound with real-time image documentation. This article will cover the code description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use it, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT 76700?

CPT 76700 is a medical billing code used for a complete abdominal ultrasound with real-time image documentation. This noninvasive diagnostic procedure is performed to assess the internal organs within the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. The code is specifically used when the ultrasound is complete and requires real-time image documentation.

2. 76700 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 76700 is: “Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; complete.”

3. Procedure

The 76700 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned comfortably on an examination table, usually lying on their back.
2. A conductive gel is applied to the skin over the abdomen to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
3. A transducer, a device that sends and receives high-frequency sound waves, is pressed against the skin and moved over the abdomen.
4. The sound waves create images of the internal organs, which are displayed on a monitor in real-time.
5. The physician or ultrasound technician evaluates the images, documenting any abnormalities or concerns.
6. The gel is removed from the patient’s skin, and the procedure is concluded.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 76700 services include those experiencing abdominal pain, swelling, or other symptoms that may indicate a problem with one or more abdominal organs. Additionally, the procedure may be performed as part of a routine health screening or to monitor an existing condition. A physician’s referral is typically required for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 76700

CPT code 76700 should be used when billing for a complete abdominal ultrasound with real-time image documentation. This code is appropriate when all required elements of a complete exam are performed, including real-time scans of the liver, gallbladder, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and the upper abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. If a limited exam is performed, CPT code 76705 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76700, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physician’s referral for the ultrasound
• Details of the procedure, including the organs examined and any abnormalities observed
• Interpretation and findings of the ultrasound images
• Any follow-up recommendations or treatment plans

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 76700, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. If only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service is being reported, modifier 26 should be appended to the code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended. However, some payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 76700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone two changes since its addition:

• On January 1, 2002, the descriptor was changed from “Echography, abdominal, B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; complete” to “Ultrasound, abdominal, B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; complete.”
• On January 1, 2007, the descriptor was updated to its current form: “Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; complete.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 76700

Five similar codes to CPT 76700 include:

1. CPT 76705: A limited abdominal ultrasound, which examines fewer organs or a limited portion of the region.
2. CPT 76770: A complete retroperitoneal ultrasound, which focuses on the kidneys, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava.
3. CPT 76775: A limited retroperitoneal ultrasound, which examines a smaller area or fewer organs within the retroperitoneal region.
4. CPT 76856: A complete pelvic ultrasound, which evaluates the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures.
5. CPT 76857: A limited pelvic ultrasound, which examines a smaller area or fewer structures within the pelvic region.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 76700 procedures:

1. A patient presents with unexplained abdominal pain, and the physician orders a complete abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the organs for any abnormalities.
2. A patient with a history of liver disease undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound to monitor the condition of their liver and other abdominal organs.
3. A patient experiences sudden weight loss and abdominal swelling, prompting a complete abdominal ultrasound to investigate potential causes.
4. A patient with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound to monitor the size and stability of the aneurysm.
5. A patient presents with jaundice, and a complete abdominal ultrasound is performed to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts for any obstructions or abnormalities.
6. A patient with a history of kidney stones undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound to assess the kidneys and urinary tract for any new stones or obstructions.
7. A patient experiences persistent nausea and vomiting, and a complete abdominal ultrasound is ordered to evaluate the pancreas and other abdominal organs for any issues.
8. A patient with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound as part of a routine screening.
9. A patient presents with unexplained fever and abdominal tenderness, prompting a complete abdominal ultrasound to investigate potential sources of infection or inflammation.
10. A patient with a history of spleen enlargement undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound to monitor the size and condition of the spleen and surrounding organs.