Table of Contents

Basics for CPT code 76706

Today we will learn about the coding guidelines for CPT code 76706 for screening exam of aorta. CPT Code 76706 had replace the old HCPCS code G0389, Ultrasound B-scan and/or real time with image documentation; for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening,in 2017.

A procedure is performed using ultrasound (US) to screen at-risk individuals for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aorta is the large artery carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart. The upper portion lies within the chest and the lower portion is located deep in the abdomen close to the spine. The walls of the aorta can weaken due to degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and the pressure of blood pumping through the vessel may cause the weakened area to bulge outward like a balloon (aneurysm).

An AAA is largely asymptomatic until rupture and bleeding occur. Real time scanning gathers and displays structural images and movement with time. This procedure is used as a tool to evaluate for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) by viewing how the flow of blood moves through the abdominal aorta, which shows defects within the artery typical for an AAA.

Also, be careful now with the use of CPT code 76770 for Ultrasound, retroperitoneal (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 documentation; limited, for AAA screening.

CPT code description for 76706

An AAA is largely asymptomatic until rupture and bleeding occur. Men 65-75 with a positive history of tobacco use, and individuals with a family history of AAA or personal history of hypertension are at greater risk for developing an AAA. For this at-risk population, a onetime ultrasound screening is advised. The patient rests supine on the examination table and an ultrasonic conduction gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen.

The technician moves the ultrasound transducer from one area to another, capturing images in real time of the abdominal aortic structure and blood flow within the vessel. The images are displayed on a computer monitor and can be saved in still and/or real-time mode for later review and interpretation by the radiologist.

76706 Ultrasound, abdominal aorta, real time with image documentation, screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

In addition, it is inappropriate to report code 76770, Ultrasound, retroperitoneal (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 documentation; limited, for AAA screening.

Use 76770, 76775, 93978 and 93979 for ultrasound or duplex ultrasound of the abdominal aorta other than screening exam.

Medicare Preventive Services

HCPCS/CPT Codes

76706

ICD-10 Codes

Contact your MAC for guidance.

Who Is Covered

Medicare beneficiaries when all of the following are true:

Certain risk factors for AAA
Receive a referral from their physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist

Frequency

Once in a lifetime

Medicare Beneficiary Pays

Copayment/coinsurance waived
Deductible waived

Additional Code Information for CPT code 76706

PC/TC Indicator (26): 1 = Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services

Multiple Procedures (51): 0 = No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply

Bilateral Surgery (50): 0 = 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply

Physician Supervision: 09 = Concept does not apply

Assistant Surgeon (80,82): 0 = Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure unless supporting documentation is submitted

Co-Surgeons (62): 0 = Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure

Team Surgery (66): 0 = Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure

Diagnostic Imaging Family: 99 = Concept does not apply

Sample Report for CPT code 76706

EXAM: SAT SONO ABD AORTA – AAA SCREENING

REASON FOR STUDY: former smoker

CLINICAL HISTORY: Former cigarette smoking

COMPARISON: February 4, 2016

TECHNIQUE: Transverse and longitudinal views obtained throughout the aorta.

FINDINGS:
Aorta measures 2.6 cm proximally. Distal aorta measures 2.1 cm. Right iliac
measures 13 mm in the left iliac measures 16 mm.

IMPRESSION: No aortic aneurysm appreciated.

CPT – 76706
ICD 10- Z87.891

CPT code 76706 : Coding Guidelines for Medical coders