2025 CPT code 76937
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound Procedures Radiology Feed
Ultrasound guidance for vascular access, including site evaluation, vessel patency documentation, real-time needle entry visualization, permanent recording, and reporting.
Modifiers may be applied based on the circumstances.Modifier 26 (professional component) might be used if only physician interpretation is reported, and modifier TC (technical component) may be used for the technical aspects. Payer policies should be consulted as they may exempt hospitals from using the TC modifier.
Ultrasound guidance for vascular access is medically necessary to improve the safety and accuracy of needle insertion, reducing the risk of complications such as hematoma, pneumothorax, or arterial puncture.It is especially crucial in cases of difficult access or when visualizing anatomical structures is necessary for successful placement.
The physician uses ultrasound to identify suitable vascular access sites, assess vessel patency, guide needle insertion in real-time, confirm proper placement, and document the entire procedure with permanent images and a detailed report.
In simple words: This code describes the use of ultrasound to guide a needle into a blood vessel. The doctor uses ultrasound to find the best spot, check if the vein is open, watch the needle go in, and keep a permanent record of the process. This is billed separately from the main procedure.
CPT code 76937, "Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring ultrasound evaluation of potential access sites, documentation of selected vessel patency, concurrent real-time ultrasound visualization of vascular needle entry, with permanent recording and reporting (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)," describes ultrasound guidance for vascular access procedures.This involves using ultrasound to evaluate potential access sites, document the patency of the selected vessel, visualize needle entry in real-time, and create a permanent record with a comprehensive report.The code is reported separately from the primary procedure.
Example 1: Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC): Ultrasound guidance is used to identify a suitable vein, such as the internal jugular or subclavian vein, and to guide the needle insertion to avoid complications like pneumothorax or arterial puncture., Placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC):Ultrasound is used to visualize the vein selected for PICC line insertion, ensure proper placement, and avoid puncturing adjacent structures., Arterial line placement: Ultrasound guidance is used to facilitate safe and accurate placement of an arterial line, avoiding potential complications related to vessel puncture.
Permanent ultrasound images showing the selected vessel, needle insertion, and catheter/line placement. A detailed report should document the vessel's patency, needle trajectory, and confirmation of the final position.
** The use of a guidance system alone (without real-time ultrasound visualization of needle entry) is not sufficient to report this code.Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate coding.
- RVU: 0.30 (work RVU) as of 2024. Specific payment rates depend on several factors and vary by payer.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC may apply to the technical component of the service, although payer policies vary.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and location, and change over time. Consult appropriate fee schedules for the specific year and location for accurate historical information.
- Specialties:Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office