How To Use CPT Code 59076

CPT 59076 describes the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 59076?

CPT 59076 can be used to describe the placement of a fetal shunt by a healthcare provider. This procedure involves draining fluid from one area of the fetus into the amniotic fluid to relieve pressure or an unsafe accumulation of fluid. The provider performs the procedure using a transabdominal approach with the guidance of ultrasound.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 59076 is: ‘Fetal shunt placement, including ultrasound guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure by placing them in the supine position and prepping the abdomen with an antiseptic solution.
2. Using a transabdominal transducer, the provider evaluates the mother’s abdominal wall, uterine vascular structures, fetal vascular structures, and placental vascular structures using color flow Doppler.
3. If necessary, the provider administers a regional or local anesthetic to the patient.
4. The provider makes a small abdominal incision and inserts a shunt catheter onto a needle.
5. Using continuous ultrasound guidance, the provider advances the shunt and needle assembly through the mother’s abdominal and uterine walls, avoiding any vascular structures.
6. Once the needle tip is confirmed to be inside the amniotic cavity, the provider infuses a small amount of warm sterile saline to ensure proper placement.
7. The provider directs the shunt assembly into the fetal bladder or another area with fluid collection using color flow Doppler.
8. After confirming proper placement, the provider checks for any bleeding and closes the skin incision.
9. The provider monitors the shunt drainage using ultrasound scans and may need to place additional shunts.
10. After delivery, the provider clamps and removes the shunts.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 59076 is performed when there is a need to relieve pressure or an unsafe accumulation of fluid in the fetus. The procedure is typically performed on patients who are pregnant and require intervention to ensure the well-being of the fetus. The provider must use ultrasound guidance during the placement of the shunt.

5. When to use CPT code 59076

CPT code 59076 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 59076, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for fetal shunt placement
• Use of ultrasound guidance during the procedure
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific steps taken and any complications encountered
• Monitoring of shunt drainage and any additional shunt placements
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 59076, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements outlined in the code description. It is important to use the appropriate documentation and coding guidelines to support the claim. Additionally, consider any specific billing guidelines provided by payers or regulatory bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT 59076 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance to relieve pressure caused by hydrocephalus in a 28-week gestation fetus.
2. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider places a fetal shunt to drain fluid from the fetal bladder in a 32-week gestation fetus with urinary tract obstruction.
3. A healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance to alleviate the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity of a 26-week gestation fetus with pleural effusion.
4. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider places a fetal shunt to drain fluid from a cystic hygroma in a 30-week gestation fetus.
5. A healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance to relieve pressure caused by a sacrococcygeal teratoma in a 34-week gestation fetus.
6. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider places a fetal shunt to drain fluid from a fetal cystic adenomatoid malformation in a 29-week gestation fetus.
7. A healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance to alleviate the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen of a 31-week gestation fetus with ascites.
8. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider places a fetal shunt to drain fluid from a fetal pleural effusion in a 27-week gestation fetus.
9. A healthcare provider performs the placement of a fetal shunt using ultrasound guidance to relieve pressure caused by a fetal sacral teratoma in a 33-week gestation fetus.
10. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider places a fetal shunt to drain fluid from a fetal ovarian cyst in a 25-week gestation fetus.