Correctly code ultrasound procedures in an office setting
Physician Practice Insider, July 28, 2015
In the physician office setting, coders are likely familiar with the concept of coding for chest x-ray and x-ray procedures.
However, many more providers are offering ancillary services within their office practice to make diagnostic testing more convenient for patients. The use of ultrasound at the bedside, or within the office practice, is becoming more and more common in provider specialty-based clinic settings.
Most people consider ultrasound to be primarily used in an OB/GYN practice, as it frequently is for early fetal viewing and diagnosing female gynecologic issues. However, ultrasound is used in specialty areas such as:
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat)
- General surgery
- Orthopedics
- Urology
Ultrasound is defined as sound waves with frequencies higher than those audible by people. Ultrasound images are made by sending pulses of ultrasound waves into tissue using a probe. The sound echoes off the tissue or areas being scanned and are then recorded and displayed as an image.
Ultrasound (also known as sonography) can be extremely useful in many specialty practices. The CPT® Manual provides coders a broad range of codes to choose from. In the manual, the diagnostic ultrasound section is set up similarly to the traditional x-ray codes.
Related Products
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- CMS seeks comment on quality measures
- Practice the six rights of medication administration
- Don't forget the three checks in medication administration
- Note similarities and differences between HCPCS, CPT® codes
- Nursing responsibilities for managing pain
- CMS creates web portal for questions about 1135 waivers, PHE
- Q&A: Primary, principal, and secondary diagnoses
- ICD-10-CM coma, stroke codes require more specific documentation
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- The consequences of an incomplete medical record
- E-mailed
-
- Coronavirus vaccination: 4 best practices for communicating with patients
- Q&A: Pressure ulcer POA code confusion resolved
- Neurological checks for head injuries
- Keyes Q&A: Generator lighting, fire dampers, eyewash stations, ISLM fire drills
- Including 46600 in E/M leveling systems
- How to get reimbursed for restorative nursing
- Fetal non-stress tests represent important part of maternal and fetal health
- Coding, billing, and documentation tips for teaching physicians, interns, residents, and students
- Coding tip: Know how to correctly code each procedure an otolaryngologist can perform on turbinates
- Coding Clinic reiterates guidelines for provider documentation
- Searched