How To Use CPT Code 76932

CPT 76932 describes the use of ultrasonic guidance for endomyocardial biopsy, specifically the imaging supervision and interpretation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 76932?

CPT 76932 can be used to report the imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the endomyocardium, which is the innermost layer of the heart muscle. This code is specifically for the provider who performs the imaging supervision and interpretation during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76932 is: ‘Ultrasonic guidance for endomyocardial biopsy, imaging supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to perform imaging supervision and interpretation for an endomyocardial biopsy.
2. The provider typically accesses the heart through the femoral vein using a central venous line.
3. They place the ultrasound transducer at the point of maximum impulse of the heart, which is the area with the strongest palpable cardiac impulse on the chest wall.
4. The ultrasound provides real-time images with clear anatomical definition.
5. Using the ultrasound guidance, the provider takes a biopsy of the heart septum or other endomyocardial tissue.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76932 is used when the provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the endomyocardium. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose or manage conditions related to the heart muscle. The provider must have the necessary expertise and training to perform the imaging supervision and interpretation.

5. When to use CPT code 76932

CPT code 76932 should be used when the provider is specifically performing the imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the endomyocardium. It should not be used for other procedures or services unrelated to this specific biopsy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76932, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the endomyocardial biopsy
• Details of the ultrasound guidance used during the procedure
• Specific findings or observations made during the imaging supervision and interpretation
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the provider who performed the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76932, ensure that the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation is reporting this code. It should not be reported separately if the provider is also reporting the endomyocardial biopsy code (CPT 93505). If only the interpretation of the radiology service 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 to the radiology code. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If one provider supervises the radiology service and another provider interprets it, both providers should report the radiology code with reduced service modifier 52 and append modifier 26 to report only the professional component.

8. Historical information

CPT 76932 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990, with the description ‘Ultrasonic guidance for endomyocardial biopsy, radiological supervision and interpretation.’ On January 1, 2001, the description was revised to ‘Ultrasonic guidance for endomyocardial biopsy, imaging supervision and interpretation.’

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to diagnose a suspected cardiac condition.
2. An interventional radiologist providing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to manage a known heart condition.
3. A cardiac surgeon performing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy during a surgical procedure.
4. An electrophysiologist providing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to assess the effectiveness of a cardiac treatment.
5. A cardiovascular technologist assisting with imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy under the supervision of a cardiologist.
6. A radiologist performing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy as part of a research study on cardiac diseases.
7. A cardiac nurse practitioner assisting with imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy during a cardiac catheterization procedure.
8. An echocardiographer providing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to evaluate a patient’s response to a cardiac medication.
9. A cardiac sonographer assisting with imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to investigate a potential cardiac abnormality.
10. A cardiovascular surgeon performing imaging supervision and interpretation for an ultrasound-guided endomyocardial biopsy to guide a surgical intervention for a complex heart condition.