2025 CPT code 76882
(Revised) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures Radiology Feed
Limited ultrasound of a joint or focal evaluation of other nonvascular extremity structures (e.g., joint space, tendons, muscles, nerves, soft tissues, or masses), real-time with image documentation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate, depending on payer policy and the provider's role.
Medical necessity is established when a physician orders a limited ultrasound based on a patient's symptoms and physical exam suggesting a specific pathology in the examined structure (e.g., pain localized to a tendon or palpable mass).
The provider prepares the patient's skin, applies gel, and uses an ultrasound transducer to create real-time images of the target area.The provider interprets the images to make a diagnosis and generate a report.The procedure involves precise transducer placement and interpretation of various tissue echotextures.
In simple words: The doctor uses ultrasound to take a detailed look at a specific area in your arm or leg. This is a limited exam, focusing on a small part (like a tendon or a lump) rather than the whole area.Pictures are saved, and the doctor writes a report of their findings.
This CPT code describes a limited diagnostic ultrasound examination of a specific anatomic structure(s) within a nonvascular extremity.This may include a limited assessment of a joint (e.g., joint space only, or a single tendon/muscle/soft tissue structure) or a focal evaluation of a non-joint structure such as a soft tissue mass, fluid collection, or nerve. The examination utilizes real-time imaging with permanent image documentation and a written report describing the findings.It does not encompass a complete evaluation of all joint elements as described by code 76881.The report must include descriptions of all evaluated elements or reasons for inability to visualize certain elements.This code should not be reported with 76883.
Example 1: A patient presents with wrist pain after a fall. The physician orders a limited ultrasound of the scapholunate ligament to assess for injury. Code 76882 is used to report this focused examination., A patient has a palpable mass in the forearm. The physician performs a limited ultrasound to evaluate the characteristics of this mass. Code 76882 is appropriate for this focused study., A patient complains of medial elbow pain. A limited ultrasound is performed to evaluate the flexor tendons, and code 76882 is used for the evaluation.
The medical record must include the physician's order specifying the area to be examined.The report must contain a description of the findings, images showing the area studied, and the reason a complete exam may not have been performed (if applicable).
** Multiple joints in the same extremity may be coded separately, with 76881 or 76882 for each joint studied.However, review payer guidelines and CCI edits for multiple unit limitations (MUE).
- Revenue Code: I3F (ECHOGRAPHY - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC may apply if only the technical component of the ultrasound is billed.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Sports Medicine, Radiology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Urgent Care Facility