How To Use CPT Code 75822

CPT 75822 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper or lower extremity venography, a diagnostic procedure used to identify the location and degree of a blood clot. 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 75822?

CPT 75822 is used to describe the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper or lower extremity venography. This procedure involves injecting a contrast medium into the veins and taking X-rays to visualize the veins and identify any blood clots. It is performed by a radiologist and helps in diagnosing and determining the extent of venous thrombosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75822 is: ‘Venography, extremity, bilateral, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The radiologist administers local anesthesia to the access site.
2. A needle is used to puncture the vein, and a guidewire is inserted to assist in advancing the catheter to reach the vein.
3. The radiologist visualizes the respective vein using X-ray guidance after injecting a contrast medium.
4. This procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower extremities on both sides.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75822 is performed when there is a need for radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper or lower extremity venography. It is typically used to identify and evaluate blood clots in the veins. This procedure is performed by a radiologist and requires the use of a contrast medium and X-ray imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 75822

CPT code 75822 should be used when a radiologist provides the radiological supervision and interpretation for bilateral upper or lower extremity venography. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 36836 and 36837.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75822, the radiologist must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of contrast medium and X-ray imaging
• Findings and interpretation of the venography
• Any additional procedures performed or follow-up recommendations
• Signature of the radiologist performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75822, ensure that the procedure is performed by a radiologist and includes both the supervision and interpretation components. 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. However, it is important to check payer policies as hospitals may be exempt from appending modifier TC. When reporting a global service where one provider performs both the professional and technical components, do not append any modifiers to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 75822 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 bilateral upper extremity venography to evaluate a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis.
2. A radiologist providing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral lower extremity venography to assess a patient with chronic venous insufficiency.
3. A radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper and lower extremity venography to diagnose a patient with suspected May-Thurner syndrome.
4. A radiologist providing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral lower extremity venography to evaluate a patient with suspected venous stenosis.
5. A radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper extremity venography to assess a patient with upper extremity swelling and pain.
6. A radiologist providing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral lower extremity venography to evaluate a patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis.
7. A radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper and lower extremity venography to diagnose a patient with suspected venous malformation.
8. A radiologist providing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral lower extremity venography to assess a patient with chronic leg ulcers.
9. A radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper extremity venography to evaluate a patient with suspected thoracic outlet syndrome.
10. A radiologist providing the radiological supervision and interpretation of bilateral lower extremity venography to diagnose a patient with suspected pelvic congestion syndrome.