How To Use CPT Code 76981

CPT 76981 describes the use of ultrasound elastography to assess the functional tissue of an organ, such as the liver. 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 76981?

CPT 76981 can be used to describe the use of ultrasound elastography to evaluate the functional tissue of an organ. This code is specifically used when the provider measures the displacement of tissue and the time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape after being distorted by high-intensity ultrasound waves. Ultrasound elastography is commonly used to assess fibrotic tissue, which shows less elasticity, and nonmalignant tumors, which display more elasticity than cancerous tumors.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76981 is: ‘Ultrasound, elastography; parenchyma (eg, organ).’ This code is used when the provider performs ultrasound elastography to evaluate the functional tissue of an organ, such as the liver. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the assessment of the organ’s functional tissue, not its connective or structural tissue.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by applying gel over the area of the body that needs to be examined.
2. Using the ultrasound probe, the provider applies pressure over the area and emits high-intensity ultrasound waves.
3. Multiple images are captured during the procedure.
4. The provider measures the displacement of tissue and the amount of time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape.
5. Various formulas are used to calculate the degree of displacement of the tissues being examined.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76981 is used when ultrasound elastography is performed to assess the functional tissue of an organ. This procedure is typically used to evaluate fibrotic tissue, which shows less elasticity, and nonmalignant tumors, which display more elasticity than cancerous tumors. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the assessment of the organ’s functional tissue, not its connective or structural tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 76981

CPT code 76981 should be used when the provider performs ultrasound elastography to evaluate the functional tissue of an organ, such as the liver. This code is not appropriate for the assessment of initial targeted lesions, as there are separate codes for that purpose (CPT 76982 for the initial lesion and CPT 76983 for each additional lesion). It is important to ensure that the procedure specifically involves the evaluation of the organ’s functional tissue, as this code does not apply to the assessment of connective or structural tissue.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76981, the provider must document the following information:

• The organ being assessed
• The use of ultrasound elastography to evaluate the organ’s functional tissue
• The date and time of the procedure
• The images captured during the procedure
• The measurements of tissue displacement and the time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76981, it is important to ensure that the procedure involves the assessment of the organ’s functional tissue using ultrasound elastography. This code should not be reported for the assessment of connective or structural tissue. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of this code. It is also important to note that there are separate codes for the assessment of initial targeted lesions (CPT 76982) and each additional lesion (CPT 76983).

8. Historical information

CPT 76981 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs ultrasound elastography of the liver to assess the functional tissue and evaluate fibrosis.
2. Using ultrasound elastography, a provider measures the displacement of tissue and the time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape in a nonmalignant tumor.
3. An organ, such as the kidney, is assessed using ultrasound elastography to evaluate the functional tissue and determine the presence of any abnormalities.
4. Ultrasound elastography is used to assess the functional tissue of the spleen and determine its elasticity.
5. A provider performs ultrasound elastography of the pancreas to evaluate the functional tissue and assess for any abnormalities.
6. Using ultrasound elastography, a provider measures the displacement of tissue and the time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape in a benign tumor.
7. An organ, such as the thyroid, is assessed using ultrasound elastography to evaluate the functional tissue and determine its elasticity.
8. Ultrasound elastography is used to assess the functional tissue of the prostate and evaluate for any abnormalities.
9. A provider performs ultrasound elastography of the gallbladder to evaluate the functional tissue and assess for any abnormalities.
10. Using ultrasound elastography, a provider measures the displacement of tissue and the time it takes for the tissue to return to its normal shape in a nonmalignant mass.