How To Use CPT Code 76827

CPT 76827 describes the use of Doppler echocardiography to assess blood flow in the fetus. 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 76827?

CPT 76827 can be used to describe the complete fetal Doppler echocardiography performed by a healthcare provider. This procedure uses pulsed or continuous sound waves with spectral display to assess blood flow in the fetus. It provides a detailed study of the unborn baby’s heart, especially when the mother is at risk for giving birth to a baby with heart defects.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76827 is: ‘Doppler echocardiography, fetal, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display; complete.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider or sonographer applies a gel to the ultrasound transducer and gently moves it over the pregnant patient’s abdomen.
2. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through the abdomen and picks up the echoes, which are then transmitted to a computer.
3. The computer translates the echoes into images, providing a two-dimensional view of the heart.
4. Pulsed wave and/or continuous wave sound waves are used to measure blood flow velocities at a single point or over a small section.
5. Spectral display presents the images on a graph, with velocity along one axis and time along another.
6. Flow toward the transducer is shown above the baseline, while flow away is shown below the baseline.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76827 is performed when the mother is at risk for giving birth to a baby with heart defects. It is used to study the unborn baby’s heart in greater detail than a routine pregnancy ultrasound. The procedure assesses blood flow in the fetus and helps identify any abnormalities or potential issues with the baby’s heart.

5. When to use CPT code 76827

CPT code 76827 should be used when a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography is performed using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display. It is appropriate when there is a specific need to assess blood flow in the fetus and study the baby’s heart in detail. This code should not be used for routine pregnancy ultrasounds that do not involve Doppler echocardiography.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76827, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the complete fetal Doppler echocardiography
• Details of the procedure, including the use of pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display
• Date and time of the procedure
• Findings and any abnormalities observed
• Interpretation of the results by the healthcare provider
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76827, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. When reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 76827 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2005, with the description being updated to include the term “cardiovascular system.”

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography to assess blood flow in the fetus of a pregnant patient at high risk for giving birth to a baby with heart defects.
2. A sonographer uses pulsed wave and spectral display to study the unborn baby’s heart in detail during a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography.
3. A physician performs a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography to evaluate blood flow velocities and identify any abnormalities in the baby’s heart.
4. A healthcare provider uses continuous wave and spectral display to assess blood flow in the fetus and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal heart.
5. A sonographer performs a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography to measure blood flow velocities at various points and obtain detailed images of the baby’s heart.
6. A physician uses pulsed wave and continuous wave with spectral display to study the blood flow patterns in the fetus and detect any potential heart abnormalities.
7. A healthcare provider performs a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography to assess blood flow in the fetus and provide a thorough evaluation of the baby’s heart.
8. A sonographer uses spectral display to analyze the velocity and direction of blood flow in the fetus during a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography.
9. A physician performs a complete fetal Doppler echocardiography to examine the blood flow in the fetus and identify any issues with the baby’s heart.
10. A healthcare provider uses pulsed wave and continuous wave with spectral display to assess blood flow in the fetus and obtain detailed images of the fetal heart.