How To Use CPT Code 75801

CPT 75801 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of lymphangiography for only one extremity. 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 75801?

CPT 75801 can be used to describe the radiological supervision and interpretation of lymphangiography for only one extremity. This code is used when a provider inserts a needle or catheter into a lymphatic channel in either the foot or arm and administers a contrast medium. The provider then performs fluoroscopy to analyze the movement of the contrast medium through the lymphatic system.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75801 is: ‘Lymphangiography, extremity only, unilateral, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle or catheter into a lymphatic channel in either the foot or arm.
2. A contrast medium is administered through the needle or catheter.
3. The provider performs fluoroscopy to analyze the movement of the contrast medium through the lymphatic system.
4. The catheter is removed and the catheter site is sutured and sterilized.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75801 is used when the provider performs lymphangiography on only one extremity, either the upper or lower, left or right. The procedure is typically performed to evaluate the lymphatic system in cases where there is a suspected blockage or abnormality. The provider must perform both the supervision and interpretation of the radiological imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 75801

CPT code 75801 should be used when a provider performs lymphangiography on only one extremity, either the upper or lower, left or right. It is important to note that this code cannot be reported bilaterally. If the provider performs lymphangiography on both extremities, CPT code 75803 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75801, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific extremity on which the lymphangiography was performed
• The date of the procedure
• The start and end time of the procedure
• The contrast medium used
• The findings and analysis of the fluoroscopy
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75801, ensure that the provider performs both the supervision and interpretation of the radiological imaging. If only the interpretation is being reported, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, append modifier TC to the radiology code. It is important to check payer policies regarding the use of modifiers. Additionally, if the injection procedure is performed separately, it should be reported with code 38790.

8. Historical information

CPT 75801 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing lymphangiography on the right upper extremity to evaluate a suspected lymphatic blockage.
2. A vascular surgeon interpreting the radiological imaging of lymphangiography performed on the left lower extremity to assess lymphatic abnormalities.
3. An interventional radiologist supervising and interpreting lymphangiography on the right lower extremity to diagnose a lymphatic disorder.
4. A diagnostic radiologist analyzing the fluoroscopy images of lymphangiography performed on the left upper extremity to evaluate lymphatic flow.
5. A nuclear medicine physician performing lymphangiography on the right lower extremity to assess lymphatic drainage in a patient with lymphedema.
6. A vascular surgeon interpreting the radiological imaging of lymphangiography performed on the left upper extremity to evaluate lymphatic malformations.
7. An interventional radiologist supervising and interpreting lymphangiography on the right upper extremity to diagnose lymphatic leaks.
8. A diagnostic radiologist analyzing the fluoroscopy images of lymphangiography performed on the left lower extremity to assess lymphatic flow in a patient with lymphadenopathy.
9. A nuclear medicine physician performing lymphangiography on the right upper extremity to evaluate lymphatic drainage in a patient with lymphatic obstruction.
10. A vascular surgeon interpreting the radiological imaging of lymphangiography performed on the left lower extremity to assess lymphatic abnormalities in a patient with recurrent infections.