2025 CPT code 76770
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures Radiology Feed
Complete ultrasound examination of the retroperitoneum, including real-time scans of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava, with image documentation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended depending on the services performed and payer policies.
Medical necessity is established based on the patient’s clinical presentation and the physician’s judgment. The ultrasound should be medically necessary to evaluate suspected pathology or to monitor known conditions impacting the retroperitoneal area.The use of this code should be supported by appropriate clinical documentation.
The clinical responsibility lies with the physician ordering and interpreting the ultrasound, and the sonographer performing the examination. The physician is responsible for ensuring appropriate indications for the test, interpreting the images, and generating a detailed report.
In simple words: A retroperitoneal ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to create images of organs and blood vessels behind the abdominal lining. The doctor will look at your kidneys, aorta (the main artery), and other structures.This is a complete examination, meaning all these areas will be scanned, and the pictures are saved and reviewed by the doctor.
This CPT code encompasses a comprehensive real-time ultrasound examination of the retroperitoneum.The examination includes visualization and documentation of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, common iliac artery origins, and inferior vena cava.If urinary tract pathology is suspected, a complete evaluation of the urinary bladder is also included.The examination requires permanently recorded images with measurements, where clinically indicated, and a final written report detailing the findings.
Example 1: A patient presents with flank pain and suspected kidney stones. A complete retroperitoneal ultrasound is ordered to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder for any abnormalities. , A patient with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm is scheduled for a follow-up retroperitoneal ultrasound to monitor the size and progression of the aneurysm., A patient undergoing a pre-operative evaluation for abdominal surgery requires a comprehensive retroperitoneal ultrasound to assess the anatomy of the abdominal aorta and surrounding structures.
The documentation must include the indication for the ultrasound, a description of the technique used (real-time B-mode), images of the kidneys, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and any other relevant structures (bladder if indicated), and measurements where clinically indicated.A final report containing interpretations and findings must be provided.
** Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the components of a complete retroperitoneal ultrasound and adherence to CPT guidelines.Always refer to the most current CPT manual for the most up-to-date information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may be appropriate in certain settings, such as when the technical component is billed separately from the professional interpretation.
- Specialties:Radiology, Urology, Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center