Ultrasound Complete vs Limited: 76700 vs 76705 Coding Guide

Ultrasound Complete vs Limited Abdomen

In Radiology facility, one CPT code can be used for multiple organs or anatomic site. As we know radiology CPT codes falls under 70000 and 90000 series. We have already learnt about CT, MRI, ultrasound CPT codes here. But, still some of medical coders get confused in coding either MRI or ultrasound CPT codes. For example, if we have to code for gallbladder, liver or urinary bladder ultrasound cpt code, we might get confused with CPT code 76700, 76705 or 76775. The main confusion is between Ultrasound Complete vs Limited Abdomen ultrasound (76700 versus 76705). You will clear this confusion later in this article.

Same happens with MRI cpt codes, we might get confused with non-joint (hand, toe, tibia, ulna, radius, fibula) and joint (elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, ankle) CPT codes. So, let us try to clear our doubts about these topics to avoid doing errors in future.

punUltrasound Complete vs Limited: 76700 vs 76705 Coding Guide

Read also: Learn how to code thyroid biopsy CPT code

Since CPT codes are responsible for payment of procedures, it is really important to be perfect in coding Surgery CPT codes. Mainly the percutaneous procedure like lumbar puncture, arthrogram, lung or thyroid biopsy, vascular catherization procedures are very important to code and learn. Any slight error in coding in such high dollar value procedure can lead to denail or loss in payment.

Many CPT codes nowadays are getting bundled, hence coders can now easily code a single code which will include many small procedure. Below are few Procedure codes which are bundled with guidance or RS&I codes.

Upper extremity Catheritization CPT codes

Epidural Spinal Injection CPT codes

AV fistula Coding CPT codes

Ultrasound Complete vs Limited Abdomen CPT code for gallbladder/liver

Ultrasound is the first imaging test for gallbladder and bile duct abnormalities. This test is non-invasive, uses no dyes, and is not painful. For coding abdominal ultrasound procedure code, we have two CPT codes 76700 and 76705. For complete ultrasound we should check for all the eight organs gallbladder, liver, common bile duct, two kidneys, aorta, Inferior Vena cava (IVC), pancreas and spleen. Now, if all these organs are present you can go ahead and code CPT code 76700.

And if one of the eight organs is missing you should report with CPT code 76705. Also, abdomen is divided into four quadrants – right upper, right lower, left upper and left lower. Here, also for each particular quadrant you can code limited ultrasound CPT code 76705.  So, you have to follow the below coding guideline for coding CPT code 76700 and 76705.

Also for Coding ICD 10 codes, always code the diagnosis depending on the quadrant under examination. For example. if you are coding a procedure code 76705 for right upper quadrant then, you should code a diagnosis related to that quadrant only, not the disorder related to lower quadrant. As you can see the below image, if you code diagnosis for pancreas for RUQ exam, it will considered incorrect coding.

The primary diagnosis should be from the same quadrant which is ordered, the incidental diagnosis can be coded secondary. Some of the common reason for visit and primary diagnosis for gallbladder ultrasound are given below.

Indications: Abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, flank pain, jaundice

Primary dx or impression: Cholelithiasis (gallstones), Cholecystitis, gallbladder slugde.

Coding guide for Bladder, Gallbladder, Liver Ultrasound CPT code

Read also: How to prepare for your Next Coding Certification Exam

Complete Ultrasound for Abdominal (all eight organs present) 76700

Limited Ultrasound 76705 (for single organ, quadrant or less than eight organs of abdomen)

CPT code for gallbladder ultrasound 

CPT code for liver ultrasound 

CPT code for spleen ultrasound

CPT code for pancreas ultrasound

CPT code for Inferior vena cava ultrasound

CPT code for aorta ultrasound

Read also: learn when to code Ultrasound guidance CPT code 76942

Renal and urinary bladder Limited ultrasound CPT code 76705

Like ultrasound, we have two CPT codes for complete (76770) and limited ultrasound (76775) for renal exam. But, here two kidneys are common in abdominal and renal exam. Hence, here we should remember, retroperitoneal CPT codes 76770 and 76775 are applied only for two kidneys and urinary bladder. Now, when to report complete and limited renal ultrasound CPT codes

When there is the presence of two kidneys, urinary bladder and renal diagnosis, you can go ahead and report complete retroperitoneal or renal ultrasound CPT code. If any one thing is missing out of these three criteria, you can code the limited renal exam CPT code 76775.

Read also: Top 5 coding errors done by Medical coders

Supply codes used with CPT code 76700 and 76705

SB036 paper, exam table
SB037 pillow case
SB044 underpad 2ft x 3ft (Chux)
SJ062 ultrasound transmission gel
SM012 disinfectant spray (Transeptic)
SM021 sanitizing cloth-wipe (patient)
SM022 sanitizing cloth-wipe (surface, instruments, equipment)
SB006 drape, non-sterile, sheet 40in x 60in
SB022 gloves, non-sterile
SB026 gown, patient

               

NCCI edits for CPT code 76700 and 76705

Major Code/Column 1Minor Code/Column 2Effective DateDeletion DateModifier/Policy Indicator
767000689T1/1/2022*1-Allowed
767003659110/1/2015*0-Not allowed
767003659210/1/2015*0-Not allowed
76700517014/1/2003*1-Allowed
76700517024/1/2003*1-Allowed
76700767051/1/1996*1-Allowed
767007677010/1/2022*1-Allowed
767007677510/1/2022*1-Allowed
76700767761/1/2023*1-Allowed
76700769427/1/2016*1-Allowed
76700769701/1/201712/31/20201-Allowed
76700769811/1/2019*1-Allowed
76700769821/1/2019*1-Allowed
76700769831/1/2019*1-Allowed
76700769861/1/200312/31/20061-Allowed
76700769981/1/2007*1-Allowed
76700787304/1/200512/31/20060-Not allowed
76700965234/1/2019*0-Not allowed
767009920110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009920210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009920310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009920410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009920510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009921110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009921210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009921310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009921410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009921510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009922110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009922210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009922310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923610/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923810/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009923910/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009924110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009924210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009924310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009924410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009924510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009925110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009925210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009925310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009925410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009925510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009926110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009926210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009926310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009927110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009927210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009927310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009927410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009927510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009929110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009929210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009930110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009930210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009930310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009931110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009931210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009931310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009932110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009932210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009932310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009933110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009933210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009933310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934710/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934810/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009934910/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009935010/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009935410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009935510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009935610/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767009935710/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
76700G04717/1/2015*1-Allowed
767050689T1/1/2022*1-Allowed
767053659110/1/2015*0-Not allowed
767053659210/1/2015*0-Not allowed
76705517014/1/2003*1-Allowed
76705517024/1/2003*1-Allowed
767057677010/1/2022*1-Allowed
767057677510/1/2022*1-Allowed
76705767761/1/2023*1-Allowed
76705769427/1/2016*1-Allowed
76705769701/1/201712/31/20201-Allowed
76705769831/1/2019*1-Allowed
76705769861/1/200312/31/20061-Allowed
76705769981/1/2007*1-Allowed
76705787304/1/200512/31/20060-Not allowed
76705965234/1/2019*0-Not allowed
767059920110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059920210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059920310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059920410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059920510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059921110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059921210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059921310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059921410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059921510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059922110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059922210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059922310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923610/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923810/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059923910/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059924110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059924210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059924310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059924410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059924510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059925110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059925210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059925310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059925410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059925510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059926110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059926210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059926310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059927110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059927210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059927310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059927410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059927510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059929110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059929210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059930110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059930210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059930310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059931110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059931210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059931310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059932110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059932210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059932310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059933110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059933210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059933310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934110/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934210/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934310/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934710/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934810/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059934910/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059935010/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059935410/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059935510/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059935610/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
767059935710/30/200010/30/20009-Not applicable
76705G04717/1/2015*1-Allowed

Medical coding example for Gallbladder Ultrasound (76705 CPT code)

US/US GALLBLADDER-BILIARY (RUQ)

CLINICAL DATA:  Elevated liver enzymes

EXAM: US ABDOMEN LIMITED – RIGHT UPPER QUADRANT

FINDINGS:

Gallbladder: Within the gallbladder, there is a 5 x 3 mm echogenic focus along the wall which neither moves nor shadows. A second 4 x 3 mm echogenic focus which neither moves nor shadows is seen. A third focus measuring 5 x 3 mm is also seen which neither moves nor shadows. There are no echogenic foci which move and shadow as is expected with gallstones. No gallbladder wall thickening or pericholecystic fluid. No sonographic Murphy sign noted.

Common bile duct: Diameter: 5 mm. There is no intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary duct dilatation.

Liver: No focal lesion identified. Liver echogenicity is overall mildly increased.

IMPRESSION: There are 3 echogenic foci in the gallbladder, largest measuring 5 These foci are felt to represent polyps. Given this finding, a followup study in approximately 1 year to assess for stability would be advisable. No echogenic foci which move and shadow as is expected with gallstones seen. No gallbladder wall thickening or pericholecystic fluid.

Increased liver echogenicity is most likely indicative of a degree of hepatic steatosis. While no focal liver lesions are identified, it must be cautioned that the sensitivity of ultrasound for focal liver lesions is diminished in this circumstance.

CPT – 76705 (only 3 organs)

Read also: Sample coded medical coding charts for medical coders

Medical coding example for Renal Ultrasound CPT code

US/US RENAL

CLINICAL DATA:  Hydronephrosis noted on prenatal scan ; patient is now 10-day-old and here for follow-up exam

EXAM: RENAL / URINARY TRACT ULTRASOUND COMPLETE

COMPARISON:  None in PACs

FINDINGS: Right Kidney: Length: 4.7 cm..  There is moderate hydronephrosis.

Left Kidney: Length: 5.3 cm.  There is moderate hydronephrosis. Bladder: The urinary bladder contains echogenic mobile layering debris.

Bilateral ureteral jets are observed.

IMPRESSION: There is moderate bilateral hydronephrosis. Bilateral ureteral jets are visualized. There is echogenic mobile debris within the urinary bladder.

CPT – 76770 (two kidneys, bladder and renal diagnosis)

Hope, this coding guide will clear all confusion in coding Ultrasound Complete vs Limited (76700 vs 76705) Coding abdomen and renal ultrasound CPT codes. Please do share this article if you liked it.

 

23 Thoughts to “Ultrasound Complete vs Limited: 76700 vs 76705 Coding Guide”

  1. […] checkout this coding guide about how to code gallbladder, liver, bladder ultrasound CPT code for abdominal and renal region, complete or limited.  […]

  2. […] Ultrasound Procedure coding is very straight in radiology. We have already learned how to code abdominal ultrasound complete and limited in my previous post. But, in this article we will learn how to code single […]

  3. […] Read also: Coding tips for liver, gallbladder ultrasound CPT codes […]

  4. […] Read also: Coding Tips for Ultrasound Gallbladder and liver Cpt code […]

  5. […] occurs. In the instance of a positive pregnancy test, with a blighted ovum identified on ultrasound (a pathologic ova in which the embryo was degenerated or absent) raises the question of whether a […]

  6. […] the physician order any special exam like Computed Tomography (CT) scan, MRI, Ultrasound (US), Doppler etc, then that patient ED visit is assigned with level 4 CPT code 99284. Since, the […]

  7. […] Read also: Coding guide for limited abdomen ultrasound CPT code 76705 […]

  8. […] have a complete and limited ultrasound procedure code, similarly like abdomen complete (76700) and limited ultrasound (76705). Now, when we use CPT codes for renal ultrasound, the medical report documents or talks  about […]

  9. […] Read also: When to use Limited Ultrasound abdomen CPT code 76705 […]

  10. […] have two CPT code for abdominal ultrasound, 76700 and 76705. The complete ultrasound of abdomen is codes 76700. The complete ultrasound of abdomen will include […]

  11. […] Read also: Coding tips for Ultrasound CPT codes in Radiology […]

  12. […] Read also: Coding tips for CPT code for Ultrasound of liver, gallbladder etc […]

  13. […] undergone a limited abdomen ultrasound in a Non-Facility. The Procedure code for this exam will be CPT code 76705. The actual cost for this exam for global code and with modifier 26 & TC is given […]

  14. […] in a medical report a physician has performed a Ultrasound, abdomen limited exam (CPT code 76705). But, while coding the medical coder has reported an Ultrasound complete exam (CPT code 76700). […]

  15. […] localization at a session separate from the paracentesis procedure is reported with the limited ultrasound of the abdomen code 76705, Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (eg, single organ, quadrant, […]

  16. […] charts where the chest X-ray one view and two views. Also, I used to love coding MRI, CPT codes and Ultrasound CPT codes. In ultrasound, coding for Abdomen complete and limited use to quite tough for me since we used to […]

  17. Hi, Team
    one Confusion for Modifier Related for Radiology coding, Cpt code 76705 (US Abdomen limited) And 76770 (US Retroperitoneum complete), And Insurance Medicare So, Modifier need & not?

    1. Hi bhavik….for checking modifier we have to check the NCCI edit between them… If it allows we have to add modifier otherwise no need

  18. […] ultrasound is an imaging technique bouncing sound waves far above the level of human perception through […]

  19. […] will code the service as a limited examination, 93971. You will also report 93971 for unilateral (complete or limited) imaging of upper or lower extremity veins. When you have all the criteria for 93970 or 93971 […]

  20. […] cava. Failure to document any of these structures will result in a downcoding to a limited exam (76705 Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (eg, single organ, quadrant, […]

  21. […] (for example, renal, aorta, nodes), real time with image documentation; complete, or code 76775, Ultrasound, retroperitoneal for example, renal, aorta, nodes), real time with image […]

  22. […] Wall  76604-52* Upper Back  76604-52* Lower Back 76705 Abdominal Wall  76705 Nerves, peripheral 76882 Pelvic Wall 76857 Buttock 76857 Penis 76857 Groin 76882 Perineum 76857 […]

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