How To Use CPT Code 75820

CPT 75820 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography, a procedure that involves imaging the blood flow in the veins of 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 75820?

CPT 75820 can be used to describe the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography, which is the imaging of blood flow in the veins of one extremity. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs this procedure and takes X-ray images of the vein to assess the blood flow and identify any abnormalities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75820 is: ‘Venography, extremity, unilateral, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider applies local anesthesia to the access site.
2. They puncture the vein with a needle and insert a guide wire.
3. The provider advances a catheter over the guide wire to reach the area of interest in the vein.
4. They administer contrast material through the catheter.
5. The provider takes a series of X-ray images of the vein to visualize the blood flow and identify any abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75820 is performed when a healthcare provider needs to assess the blood flow in the veins of one extremity. This procedure is typically done to diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or venous insufficiency. It is important to note that CPT 75820 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 36836 and 36837.

5. When to use CPT code 75820

CPT code 75820 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography for one extremity. It is appropriate to use this code when assessing the blood flow in the veins and diagnosing conditions related to venous circulation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75820, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Specific extremity assessed (left or right)
• Procedure details, including the use of local anesthesia, needle puncture, guide wire insertion, catheter advancement, and contrast administration
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Findings from the X-ray images and any abnormalities identified
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the radiological supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75820, ensure that the healthcare provider performing the procedure is reporting the radiological supervision and interpretation. If only the professional component 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 follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT 75820 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 the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis in their right leg.
2. An interventional radiologist assessing the blood flow in the veins of a patient’s left arm to diagnose venous insufficiency.
3. A vascular surgeon using venography to evaluate the patency of a patient’s right leg veins after a surgical procedure.
4. A cardiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography to assess the venous circulation in a patient with chronic venous insufficiency in their left leg.
5. An interventional radiologist using venography to guide the placement of a venous catheter in a patient’s right arm for long-term intravenous therapy.
6. A vascular surgeon performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography to assess the blood flow in the veins of a patient’s left leg after a traumatic injury.
7. A radiologist using venography to evaluate the venous anatomy and blood flow in a patient’s right arm prior to a surgical procedure.
8. An interventional radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography to assess the venous circulation in a patient’s left leg before considering a venous stenting procedure.
9. A vascular surgeon using venography to diagnose the cause of chronic leg swelling in a patient’s right leg.
10. A cardiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of venography to assess the venous circulation in a patient’s left arm after a suspected venous thrombosis.