How To Use CPT Code 75756

CPT 75756 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery, which is used to determine its suitability for coronary artery bypass. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 75756?

CPT 75756 is used to report the radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery. This procedure is performed to assess the internal mammary artery’s condition and determine its suitability for coronary artery bypass surgery. It involves the use of X-rays and a contrast medium to visualize the artery and identify any defects or abnormalities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75756 is: ‘Angiography, internal mammary, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers local anesthesia to the access site.
2. A puncture is made in the femoral artery.
3. A guidewire is inserted to assist the catheter in advancing to the internal mammary artery.
4. The guidewire is removed once the catheter reaches the target point.
5. A contrast medium is injected, and a series of X-rays are performed to visualize the internal mammary artery.
6. The radiologist interprets the X-ray images and provides a report on the condition of the internal mammary artery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75756 is performed when there is a need to evaluate the internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass surgery. This procedure is typically done in patients who require a replacement artery for bypass grafting. The radiologist’s role is to supervise and interpret the angiography of the internal mammary artery, providing crucial information for the surgical team.

5. When to use CPT code 75756

CPT code 75756 should be used when a radiologist performs the radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery. It is appropriate to report this code when evaluating the internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass surgery. However, it should not be used for internal mammary angiography performed during cardiac catheterization, as there are specific codes for that procedure (e.g., 93455, 93457, 93459, 93461, 93564).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75756, the radiologist must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need to evaluate the internal mammary artery
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of contrast medium and X-ray imaging
• Findings and interpretation of the internal mammary artery angiography
• Signature of the radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75756, ensure that the service is performed by a radiologist and involves the radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and not to report it if other codes for internal mammary angiography during cardiac catheterization have already been used within the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 75756 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery to assess its suitability for coronary artery bypass surgery.
2. A patient undergoing angiography of the internal mammary artery to determine if it can be used as a replacement artery for coronary bypass grafting.
3. A radiologist evaluating the internal mammary artery for any defects or abnormalities before coronary artery bypass surgery.
4. A surgical team relying on the radiologist’s interpretation of the internal mammary artery angiography to plan the coronary artery bypass procedure.
5. A patient with coronary artery disease undergoing radiological assessment of the internal mammary artery to determine the best course of treatment.
6. A radiologist providing a detailed report on the condition of the internal mammary artery based on the angiography images.
7. A patient with a history of heart disease undergoing radiological supervision and interpretation of the internal mammary artery to assess its suitability for bypass grafting.