2025 CPT code 76881
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures of the Extremities Radiology Procedures > Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures Feed
Ultrasound, complete joint (i.e., joint space and peri-articular soft-tissue structures), real-time with image documentation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applicable depending on the billing entity and payer policies. Modifier -59 may be used if the service is distinct from other procedures.
The ultrasound is medically necessary when there is a clinical indication suggesting a joint pathology (e.g., pain, swelling, limited range of motion, suspected injury).The information obtained helps in guiding further management and treatment.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the ultrasound examination, interprets the images, and prepares a written report.Preparation involves applying gel to enhance the connection between the transducer and the skin. The provider moves the transducer to obtain images of the joint space and surrounding soft tissues.
- Radiology Procedures > Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures of the Extremities
In simple words: This ultrasound exam thoroughly checks a specific joint in your arm or leg. The doctor uses sound waves to create images of the joint and the tissues around it, looking for problems. The images are saved, and a detailed report is made.
This CPT code represents a complete diagnostic ultrasound examination of a specific joint in an extremity.The examination must include real-time imaging of the joint space (e.g., for effusion), the peri-articular soft tissues surrounding the joint (muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues), and any identifiable abnormalities.Dynamic imaging or stress maneuvers may be included as part of the complete evaluation.The examination requires permanently recorded images and a comprehensive written report describing each evaluated element or explaining why an element could not be visualized (e.g., due to prior surgery or trauma).
Example 1: A patient presents with knee pain and swelling.A complete ultrasound of the knee (76881) is performed, evaluating the joint space for effusion, assessing the surrounding soft tissues (menisci, ligaments, tendons) for tears or inflammation, and documenting any abnormalities., A patient has a suspected wrist ganglion cyst.The ultrasound examination (76881) encompasses the entire wrist joint, including the joint space, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues to visualize and measure the cyst, evaluate for other abnormalities, and assess the extent of involvement., A patient experiences shoulder pain after a fall. A comprehensive ultrasound examination (76881) of the shoulder joint is conducted, including assessment of the joint space, rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, and surrounding muscles to identify the cause of the pain (e.g., rotator cuff tear, bursitis).
* Detailed written report including description of all evaluated elements (joint space, peri-articular soft tissues) or reason for non-visualization.* Permanently recorded images of the joint space and peri-articular soft tissue structures.* Clinical indication for the ultrasound examination (patient symptoms, referral information, etc.).
** Color Doppler alone, when used for anatomic structure identification during real-time ultrasound, is not separately reportable.Evaluation of vascular structures using both color and spectral Doppler is separately reportable (refer to codes 93880-93990).
- Revenue Code: I3F (ECHOGRAPHY - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC may be used to identify the technical component if appropriate based on payer policies.
- Specialties:* Radiology* Rheumatology* Orthopedics* Sports Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center