2025 CPT code 76700
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures Radiology Feed
Complete real-time abdominal ultrasound with image documentation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applicable depending on the provider and payer policies.
Medical necessity for an abdominal ultrasound is established based on the patient's clinical presentation, symptoms, and risk factors.Examples include abdominal pain, suspected biliary disease, suspected renal disease, suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm, and unexplained abdominal distension.
The physician or qualified technician performs the ultrasound, obtaining real-time images and interpreting the results.A written report is generated and included in the patient's medical record.
In simple words: This code covers a detailed ultrasound of your belly area. The doctor will use sound waves to create images of your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and major blood vessels.Pictures are saved, and the doctor will write a report explaining what they found.
This CPT code encompasses a comprehensive real-time ultrasound examination of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, upper abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava.The examination must include image documentation and a written report detailing findings, including any identified abnormalities.If specific structures are not visualized, the reason for non-visualization must be documented.
Example 1: A patient presents with right upper quadrant pain. A complete abdominal ultrasound (76700) is performed to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, and biliary tree for gallstones or other pathology., A patient with hypertension undergoes an abdominal ultrasound (76700) to assess the kidneys for size and structure and to evaluate the abdominal aorta for aneurysm., A patient with unexplained abdominal distension undergoes a complete abdominal ultrasound (76700) to rule out ascites, masses, or other intra-abdominal abnormalities.
* Real-time ultrasound images of the liver, gallbladder, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, upper abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava.* Measurements of structures as clinically indicated.* A comprehensive written report detailing findings and interpretations.* Documentation of the reason for non-visualization of any structures if applicable.* Physician's interpretation and clinical correlation.
** The use of ultrasound without a thorough evaluation, image documentation, and a final written report is not separately reportable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may be appended if only the technical aspects of the service are billed.However, hospital billing practices often do not require TC modifiers.
- Specialties:* Radiology* Gastroenterology* Surgery* Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:* Office* Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient)* Ambulatory Surgical Center* Urgent Care Facility