How To Use CPT Code 76977

CPT 76977 describes the procedure for ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation of peripheral sites using any method. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 76977?

CPT 76977 can be used to describe the procedure for ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation of peripheral sites using any method. This code includes both the measurement and interpretation of bone density at sites such as the wrist or knee using ultrasound technology.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76977 is: ‘Ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation, peripheral site(s), any method.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and places the ultrasound probe over the peripheral site to be examined, such as the wrist or knee.
2. The provider uses high-frequency sound waves to pass through the bone, which reflects back echoes.
3. The echoes provide information about the bone density, which is captured on a computer system.
4. The provider interprets the results of the bone density measurement to determine the strength and density of the bone.
5. The provider may use this procedure to diagnose or manage conditions such as osteoporosis.
6. This code includes both the measurement and interpretation of bone density at peripheral sites using ultrasound technology.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76977 is performed when the provider needs to assess the bone density at peripheral sites using ultrasound. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose or manage conditions such as osteoporosis. The provider uses high-frequency sound waves to view the tissues and determine the structural integrity of the bone. The measurement and interpretation of bone density are included in this code.

5. When to use CPT code 76977

CPT code 76977 should be used when the provider performs ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at peripheral sites using any method. This code is appropriate when the provider needs to assess the bone density for diagnostic or management purposes. It should not be used for other ultrasound procedures or for bone density measurements at non-peripheral sites.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76977, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the bone density measurement
• Peripheral site(s) examined
• Method used for the measurement
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the bone density results
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76977, ensure that the procedure involves ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at peripheral sites using any method. This code should not be reported with other ultrasound codes unless they are distinct procedures performed separately. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, and modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If the provider performs both the professional and technical components, do not append any modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT 76977 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at the wrist to assess the patient’s bone density.
2. Using ultrasound technology, the provider measures and interprets the bone density at the knee to diagnose osteoporosis.
3. During the procedure, the provider assesses the bone density at the ankle using ultrasound and interprets the results for management purposes.
4. A patient undergoes ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at the elbow to monitor the progress of their bone health.
5. The provider performs ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at the shoulder to assess the patient’s bone density for diagnostic purposes.
6. Using ultrasound technology, the provider measures and interprets the bone density at the hip to evaluate the patient’s risk of fractures.
7. During the procedure, the provider assesses the bone density at the foot using ultrasound and interprets the results to guide treatment decisions.
8. A patient undergoes ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at the hand to monitor the effectiveness of their osteoporosis treatment.
9. The provider performs ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation at the ankle to assess the patient’s bone density for management purposes.
10. Using ultrasound technology, the provider measures and interprets the bone density at the knee to evaluate the patient’s risk of fractures.