How To Use CPT Code 76706

CPT 76706 is an ultrasound screening procedure for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 76706.

1. What is CPT 76706?

CPT 76706 is a medical billing code used for an ultrasound screening procedure that focuses on the abdominal aorta. This noninvasive imaging procedure is performed to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a weakness in the vessel wall that causes it to balloon out. The code is specifically used for the real-time ultrasound imaging of the abdominal aorta with image documentation.

2. 76706 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 76706 is: “Ultrasound, abdominal aorta, real time with image documentation, screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)”.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned comfortably on an examination table, usually lying on their back.
2. The provider or ultrasound technician applies a conductive gel on the skin over the abdomen to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
3. An ultrasound machine sends high-frequency sound waves through a probe called a transducer.
4. The transducer is pressed against the skin and moved over the abdomen to produce images of the abdominal aorta on a monitor.
5. Images are recorded for later review and analysis by a qualified healthcare professional.
6. The patient may be asked to hold their breath during the examination to obtain clear images.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 76706 services are those who are at risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or have a family history of AAA. Risk factors for AAA include age (typically over 60), male gender, smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. The screening is also recommended for patients with a known AAA to monitor its size and growth.

5. When to use CPT code 76706

It is appropriate to bill the 76706 CPT code when a healthcare provider performs an ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta for the purpose of detecting or monitoring an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This code should be used specifically for screening purposes and not for diagnostic or follow-up purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76706, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history, including risk factors for AAA and family history of AAA.
• Indication for the screening, such as patient’s age, gender, or presence of risk factors.
• Details of the ultrasound procedure, including the type of equipment used, conductive gel application, and transducer placement.
• Findings from the ultrasound examination, including the presence, size, and location of any detected AAA.
• Interpretation and analysis of the ultrasound images by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Recommendations for follow-up or further evaluation, if necessary.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 76706, keep in mind the following guidelines and tips:

• If color or spectral Doppler were used in addition to standard ultrasound techniques, they may be separately reportable using code range 93880–93990.
• If you are reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, you should append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code.
• If you are reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, you would append modifier TC to the radiology code. Note, however, that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC because the hospital’s portion is inherently technical.
• Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 76706 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 76706

Five similar codes to CPT 76706 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 76700: This code is used for a complete diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, which includes imaging of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal aorta.
• CPT 76705: This code is used for a limited diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, focusing on specific organs or areas of concern within the abdomen.
• CPT 76770: This code is used for a complete diagnostic retroperitoneal ultrasound, which includes imaging of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, and other retroperitoneal structures.
• CPT 76775: This code is used for a limited diagnostic retroperitoneal ultrasound, focusing on specific organs or areas of concern within the retroperitoneal space.
• CPT 93978: This code is used for a duplex scan of the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts, which includes both ultrasound imaging and Doppler evaluation of blood flow.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 76706 procedures:

1. A 65-year-old male with a history of smoking and high blood pressure undergoes an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening using CPT 76706.
2. A 70-year-old female with a family history of AAA receives a CPT 76706 screening to assess her risk.
3. A patient with a known AAA undergoes a CPT 76706 screening to monitor the size and growth of the aneurysm.
4. A 62-year-old male with a history of atherosclerosis undergoes a CPT 76706 screening to evaluate his risk for AAA.
5. A patient with a previously detected small AAA undergoes a CPT 76706 screening as part of their annual follow-up.
6. A 68-year-old female with a history of smoking and high blood pressure receives a CPT 76706 screening to assess her risk for AAA.
7. A patient with a known AAA and recent onset of abdominal pain undergoes a CPT 76706 screening to evaluate any changes in the aneurysm.
8. A 75-year-old male with a family history of AAA and a history of smoking undergoes a CPT 76706 screening to assess his risk.
9. A patient with a known AAA and recent weight loss undergoes a CPT 76706 screening to monitor the size and growth of the aneurysm.
10. A 66-year-old female with a history of high blood pressure and a family history of AAA receives a CPT 76706 screening to evaluate her risk.