How To Use CPT Code 76941

CPT 76941 describes the use of ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis, with the provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation. 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 76941?

CPT 76941 is used to report the use of ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis, with the provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation. This code is used when the provider uses high-frequency sound waves to view tissues and performs the procedure under ultrasound guidance to examine fetal blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76941 is: ‘Ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis, imaging supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider prepares the abdomen and introduces a needle directly into the amniotic cavity guided by ultrasound.
2. The provider then locates and pierces the umbilical cord and takes a sample of blood for diagnostic testing.
3. Alternatively, the provider may perform intrauterine fetal transfusion, in which they exchange the fetal blood with transfused blood.
4. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation throughout the procedure to ensure accurate guidance and interpretation of the ultrasound images.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76941 is used when the provider performs ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis under ultrasound guidance. This procedure is typically performed for diagnostic testing or fetal blood transfusion. Cordocentesis involves the removal of blood from the umbilical cord for diagnostic testing, also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS). The provider must perform imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 76941

CPT code 76941 should be used when the provider performs ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis and also provides imaging supervision and interpretation. This code should not be used if the provider only performs the procedure without imaging supervision and interpretation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76941, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the need for ultrasonic guidance
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of ultrasound guidance
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Findings and interpretation of the ultrasound images
• Any complications or additional interventions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76941, ensure that the provider performs ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion or cordocentesis and also provides imaging supervision and interpretation. This code should not be reported if the provider only performs the procedure without imaging supervision and interpretation. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components. In rare instances where one provider supervises the radiology service and another provider interprets it, each provider should report the radiology code and append reduced service modifier 52. Each provider should also append modifier 26 to report only the professional component. Hospitals should still report the code for statistical purposes, even if not separately paid under OPPS.

8. Historical information

CPT 76941 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2001, which updated the description to include ‘imaging supervision and interpretation’ instead of ‘radiological supervision and interpretation’.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs ultrasonic guidance for intrauterine fetal transfusion, ensuring accurate needle placement and monitoring the procedure using imaging supervision and interpretation.
2. During cordocentesis, the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to locate and pierce the umbilical cord, while also providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
3. A patient requires intrauterine fetal transfusion, and the provider performs the procedure under ultrasonic guidance, with imaging supervision and interpretation throughout the process.
4. For diagnostic purposes, the provider performs cordocentesis using ultrasonic guidance and provides imaging supervision and interpretation to ensure accurate results.
5. During an intrauterine fetal transfusion, the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to exchange the fetal blood with transfused blood, while also performing imaging supervision and interpretation.
6. A pregnant patient undergoes cordocentesis, and the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to guide the needle insertion and provides imaging supervision and interpretation.
7. For a patient requiring intrauterine fetal transfusion, the provider performs the procedure under ultrasonic guidance, ensuring accurate needle placement and providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
8. The provider performs cordocentesis using ultrasonic guidance, locating and piercing the umbilical cord while providing imaging supervision and interpretation.
9. During an intrauterine fetal transfusion, the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to exchange the fetal blood with transfused blood, while also performing imaging supervision and interpretation.
10. A patient undergoes cordocentesis, and the provider uses ultrasonic guidance to guide the needle insertion, ensuring accurate results with imaging supervision and interpretation.