How To Use CPT Code 75827

CPT 75827 describes the procedure for venography, specifically the superior vena cava, with serialography, under the supervision and interpretation of a radiologist. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 75827?

CPT 75827 is used to describe the diagnostic procedure of venography, specifically focusing on the superior vena cava. This procedure involves the injection of dye and the capture of X-ray images to identify the location and degree of a blood clot. The serialography technique, which includes rapid sequence images, is used in conjunction with the procedure. The interpretation of the images is crucial in obtaining a definitive diagnosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75827 is: ‘Venography, caval, superior, with serialography, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician administers local anesthesia to the access site.
2. A needle is used to puncture the distal vein, and a guidewire is inserted to assist the advancement of the catheter towards the superior vena cava.
3. Once the catheter reaches the target point, the guidewire is removed.
4. The physician utilizes serialography, capturing a series of high-speed images at specific time intervals after injecting contrast dye.
5. The obtained images are then interpreted by the physician to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75827 is performed when there is a need to assess the superior vena cava through venography and serialography. This procedure is typically conducted to identify the presence and location of blood clots. It requires the expertise of a radiologist and is performed under their supervision and interpretation.

5. When to use CPT code 75827

CPT code 75827 should be used when a radiologist performs venography of the superior vena cava with serialography. It is essential to ensure that the procedure is necessary for the diagnostic evaluation of a patient. This code should not be used for other types of venography or when a different anatomical area is being assessed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75827, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for the procedure
• Details of the specific anatomical area assessed (superior vena cava)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end times of the procedure
• Specific technique used (venography with serialography)
• Interpretation of the obtained images
• Signature of the supervising radiologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75827, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed under the supervision and interpretation of a radiologist. If only the interpretation is being reported, the professional component modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended. However, it is crucial to review 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, no modifier is necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 75827 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 performs venography of the superior vena cava with serialography to assess a patient with suspected blood clotting in the chest area.
2. During a diagnostic evaluation, a radiologist utilizes venography and serialography to identify the location and extent of a blood clot in the superior vena cava of a patient.
3. A patient with symptoms suggestive of superior vena cava syndrome undergoes venography with serialography, allowing a radiologist to visualize and diagnose the condition.
4. As part of a pre-operative assessment, a radiologist performs venography and serialography of the superior vena cava to evaluate the presence of any blood clots.
5. A patient with a history of blood clotting disorders undergoes venography with serialography to monitor the condition of the superior vena cava under the supervision and interpretation of a radiologist.
6. During a follow-up examination, a radiologist performs venography and serialography of the superior vena cava to assess the effectiveness of previous treatment for blood clotting.
7. A radiologist utilizes venography with serialography to evaluate the superior vena cava for potential blood clotting in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
8. As part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup, a radiologist performs venography and serialography of the superior vena cava to rule out any blood clotting disorders.
9. A patient with a suspected superior vena cava obstruction undergoes venography with serialography to visualize and diagnose the condition under the supervision and interpretation of a radiologist.
10. During an interventional radiology procedure, a radiologist performs venography and serialography of the superior vena cava to guide further treatment decisions.