How To Use CPT Code 76776

CPT 76776 describes the use of ultrasound to obtain images of transplanted kidneys, along with duplex Doppler to assess blood flow. 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 76776?

CPT 76776 can be used to describe the ultrasound examination of transplanted kidneys, specifically using real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess blood flow. This code is used when the physician or sonographer applies conductive gel to the abdomen and uses a transducer to obtain pictures of the kidneys, observing the blood vessels inside and leading to and from the kidney.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76776 is: ‘Ultrasound, transplanted kidney, real time and duplex Doppler with image documentation. For ultrasound of transplanted kidney without duplex Doppler, use 76775. For ultrasound and duplex Doppler of a transplanted kidney, do not report 76776 in conjunction with 93975, 93976.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or sonographer applies conductive gel to the abdomen.
2. They then press the transducer against the skin and sweep it over the lower abdomen to obtain pictures of the transplanted kidneys.
3. During the procedure, real-time imaging is used to display X-ray images of the kidneys on a monitor.
4. Duplex Doppler is utilized to visualize and assess the flow patterns of the blood vessels inside and leading to and from the transplanted kidneys.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76776 is used for patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and require an ultrasound examination to assess the function and blood flow of the transplanted kidneys. The procedure is performed by a physician or sonographer using real-time imaging and duplex Doppler. It is important to note that if the ultrasound does not include duplex Doppler, CPT code 76775 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 76776

CPT code 76776 should be used when an ultrasound examination of transplanted kidneys is performed, specifically utilizing real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess blood flow. It is important to use this code when the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76776, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the ultrasound examination of transplanted kidneys
• Details of the procedure, including the use of real-time imaging and duplex Doppler
• Images obtained during the examination
• Interpretation of the findings
• Signature of the physician or sonographer performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76776, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. Additionally, consider the use of modifiers to indicate the professional or technical component of the service, if applicable. It is also important to be aware of any payer policies regarding the use of modifiers for hospitals. When reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, modifiers may not be necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 76776 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing an ultrasound examination of a transplanted kidney, utilizing real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess blood flow.
2. A sonographer obtaining images of a transplanted kidney and using duplex Doppler to assess the blood vessels leading to and from the kidney.
3. A physician applying conductive gel to the abdomen and using a transducer to obtain pictures of the transplanted kidneys, observing the blood flow using real-time imaging and duplex Doppler.
4. A sonographer performing an ultrasound examination of a transplanted kidney, documenting the images obtained and interpreting the findings.
5. A physician utilizing real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess the blood flow of a transplanted kidney, providing an interpretation of the findings.
6. A sonographer performing an ultrasound examination of a transplanted kidney, documenting the procedure details and obtaining images for further analysis.
7. A physician applying conductive gel to the abdomen and using real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess the blood flow of a transplanted kidney.
8. A sonographer obtaining images of a transplanted kidney and utilizing duplex Doppler to assess the blood vessels inside the kidney.
9. A physician performing an ultrasound examination of a transplanted kidney, documenting the procedure and providing an interpretation of the findings.
10. A sonographer using real-time imaging and duplex Doppler to assess the blood flow of a transplanted kidney, obtaining images for documentation purposes.