How To Use CPT Code 0690T

CPT 0690T describes the use of quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization, including interpretation and report, obtained with a diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0690T?

CPT 0690T can be used to describe the use of quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization, which involves analyzing ultrasound imaging data and providing an interpretation and report. This code is used when the provider performs an ultrasound examination of a specific anatomy and uses specialized software to evaluate the ultrasound images for quantitative tissue characterization.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0690T is: ‘Quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization (non-elastographic), including interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with the primary diagnostic ultrasound code for the same anatomy.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs an ultrasound examination of the target area using an ultrasound machine.
2. Specialized software is used to analyze the ultrasound images for quantitative tissue characterization.
3. The software may divide the image into areas and assign numerical values to indicate the lightness and darkness of each area relative to others.
4. The provider interprets the data and prepares a report based on the quantitative measurements.
5. This procedure does not involve elastography, which is used to determine the stiffness of structures in the body.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0690T is appropriate when there is a diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy (such as an organ, gland, tissue, or target structure) at the same session. It is important to note that this code should not be reported if there is no diagnostic ultrasound of the same structure. In such cases, CPT code 0689T should be used for quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization.

5. When to use CPT code 0690T

CPT code 0690T should be used when there is a diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy and the provider performs quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization using specialized software. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code for the diagnostic ultrasound.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0690T, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy
• Description of the quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization performed
• Interpretation of the data and findings
• Preparation of a report based on the quantitative measurements

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0690T, ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with a diagnostic ultrasound examination of the same anatomy. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code for the diagnostic ultrasound. It is important to note that payers may not reimburse for CPT 0690T if it is not reported with an appropriate primary code. Additionally, do not report CPT 0690T in conjunction with CPT code 0689T. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 0690T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. As of now, there have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s liver and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to assess the tissue composition and provide an interpretation and report.
2. An obstetrician performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a pregnant patient’s uterus and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to evaluate the uterine tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
3. A urologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s kidney and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to analyze the renal tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
4. A cardiologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s heart and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to assess the cardiac tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
5. A gastroenterologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s pancreas and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to evaluate the pancreatic tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
6. A gynecologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s ovaries and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to analyze the ovarian tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
7. A neurologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s brain and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to assess the brain tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
8. An orthopedic surgeon performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s joint and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to evaluate the joint tissue and provide an interpretation and report.
9. A vascular surgeon performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s blood vessels and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to analyze the vessel walls and provide an interpretation and report.
10. An endocrinologist performs a diagnostic ultrasound examination of a patient’s thyroid gland and uses quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization to assess the thyroid tissue and provide an interpretation and report.