Urological Ultrasound: Coding, Documentation, and Accreditation Michael A. Ferragamo MD, FACS Advanced Urology, Garden City, New York Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology University Hospital, State U. of N.Y. Stony Brook, New York Editor of Urology Coding Alert Moderator for
[email protected]
Urological Ultrasound
I have no Disclosures to make
2016 Ultrasonic Imaging in Urology • Uro‐Sonography – Renal, Bladder, Prostate, Vaginal, and Scrotal sonograms – Payment made in office for Medicare and selected private and commercial carriers – Rapid learning curve – Cost effective, >$100.00 per study – Additional probe(s) may be required
Coding: Limited vs. Complete • Medical necessity determines the scope of the study – Limited ‐ scanning a single organ, quadrant or completing a partial exam – Complete ‐ implies a scan of the entire area (e.g. a complete US of the abdomen is one in which an attempt is made to visualize all of the structures or organs within the abdominal cavity which include the liver, stomach, intestines, spleen, kidneys and associated tissues and vessels). Reasons for an inability to view an organ(s) must be documented. A majority of the areas must be evaluated. AUA Coding Tips Manual, Questions and Answers: 2001, p 26
Two Modifiers for Urological Ultrasound Performed in a Facility • Radiographic Components: ‐TC ‐ technical component…charge made for
ownership of the equipment, payment of a technician, or for a contrast agent; usually represents institutional, hospital, ASC charges ‐26 ‐ professional component…for the interpretation or reading of the x‐rays only
• Global billing/payment, in the office, (physician owned equipment), is billed without a modifier
Ultrasonic Imaging in Urology • 76700 ultrasound, abdomen, real time with image documentation; complete
• 76705 …limited (single organ, quadrant, follow up) • 76770 ultrasound, retroperitoneal, (eg, renal, aorta, nodes), real time with image documentation, complete
• 76770 also coded for a renal and bladder sonogram, sonographic KUB, performed at the same encounter for urinary symptons
• 76775 …limited retroperitoneal (kidney sonogram) • 76776 ultrasound, transplanted kidney, real time and duplex Doppler with image documentation
Ultrasonic Imaging in Urology Pelvis including Bladder • 76856 ultrasound, pelvic (nonobstetric), real time with image documentation; complete, male or female
• 76857 …limited or follow up (eg. bladder)
Bladder Ultrasound Anatomy of bladder by Ultrasound: ‐
76857
Intent of the Bladder Ultrasound • Residual Urine by Ultrasound: Medicare… intent of procedure is for PVR ‐
51798* (non‐imaging or imaging): report one value
Private ‐ 51798 (any HMO’s, Blues, US Healthcare) ‐76857 (Aetna PPO)
Documentation Criteria for 51798 • Measurement of PVR urine and/or bladder capacity by ultrasound, non imaging, report one value • Signs and symptons which lead to the test performance • Requires storage in the medical records of any images used for calculations of PVR • PVR volume and methodology used to determine PVR must be documented…“PVR=100cc via bladder sonography” – Report only one value required – “PVR negative” or “unchanged” are unacceptable
51798 • Not a surgical procedure (some carriers may view as surgical) – No modifier needed in a global period (‐79) – No modifier needed with other surgery (‐51) – Should bill a PVR only once per day
• The global concept does not apply…XXX – No modifier needed for E/M service (‐25)
• Has a zero work relative value – TC/26 modifiers do not apply – Paid in office(11), home(12), assisted living(13), group home(14), nursing home(32), custodial care facility(33), independent clinic(49)
51798 ‐ New code since 2003 • Office exam and bladder ultrasound for post void residual EOB for Medicare Patient
• Modifier 25 not needed on E/M (some carriers require) • Full reimbursement for E/M and 51798 • Note: Exception: may need modifiers ‐25 on an E/M and/or ‐59 on 51798, (NYC, Indiana, GA., Pennsylvania IBCBS)
Radiology Update 2015 AUA ‐ Terminology ‐ 2001 • Renal Sonogram: • 76775 (limited retroperitoneal study, ie. examination of kidneys alone)
• 76770 Do Not Use unless… • Diagnoses for 76775 C64.1, C64.2, N13.30, N20.0, N28.1, N28.9, N32, R19.09, R31.9, R31.0, R31.2, R34,
Bladder and Renal Sonograms AUA/CPT/ACR Policy (03/01/04)
When the clinical history suggests urinary tract pathology, code:
• Renal & Bladder (+/‐ ureteral): – CPT, CMS, AUA:
76770 sonographic KUB
( Example: for BPH evaluation: ICD‐10 N13.8 and Z71.1
Bladder and Renal Sonograms • Renal & Bladder (anatomy) sonograms: CPT & AUA: 76770 or 76775 (Cigna, Oxford) 76857‐59 (bladder) • Renal and Bladder (PVR) sonograms: 76775 51798 (Aetna will bundle)
Pelvic and Renal Sonograms • Renal & Full male/female Pelvic sonograms: 76856 76775 • Renal & Limited female Pelvic Sonogram 76775 76857‐59
Ultrasonic Imaging in Urology Genitalia/Genitourinary • 76870 ultrasound, scrotum and contents • 76872 ultrasound, transrectal • 76873 …prostate volume study for
brachytherapy treatment planning (separate procedure – usually by a radiologist with special equipment)
• 76999 unlisted ultrasonic procedure (eg, diagnostic, interventional)
Ultrasonic Guidance in Urology • 76940 Ultrasonic Guidance for, and monitoring of, parenchymal tissue ablation
• 76942 ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) imaging supervision and interpretation • 76965 ultrasonic guidance for interstitial radioelement application • 76998 ultrasonic guidance, intraoperative
Urology Imaging Coding Needle Biopsy of the Prostate • Biopsy, prostate, needle or punch ..office…single or multiple biopsies ‐55700 ( 0 day global ) R97.2, D40.0, D49.5, D07.5, C61 ‐76872 (‐59) (‐XU)* D29.1, N40.0, N40.1 ‐76942
(Aetna will pay for both ultrasound studies, but Horizon, Cigna*, and Oxford bundle 76872 into 76942)
Urological Imaging Coding • Transperineal implantation of needles into the prostate for interstitial radioelement placement *55875 ‐ with or without cystoscopy
76965 ‐26 76873 ‐26 ‐59, 76000 ‐26 ‐59 51600 ‐51, 74430 ‐26…3 views
Urological Imaging Intraoperative Ultrasonic Guidance •
Retrograde Endopyelotomy: • 52345 • 76998 ‐26 (Intraoperative Endoluminal ultrasonography)
• 52332 ‐51 • 74420 ‐26
Ultrasound Guidance to place a Percutaneous Suprapubic Catheter • In Office
• In Hospital
– 51102 for placement
– 51102
– 76942 US guidance
– 76942‐26 – 76998‐26 Intraoperative placement
Ultrasonic Imaging in Urology Related Areas • • • • • • • • •
Abdominal wall…76705 Pelvic wall…76857 Buttocks…76857 Penis…76857 (may not be accepted by Medicare) Groin…76880, 76705 Perineum…76857 Upper back…76604‐52 Lower back…76705 Unspecified ultrasound procedure…76999 Recommendations from ACR and CPT(AMA)
Payable Ultrasonic Procedures per Carrier If the box is checked, the procedure listed is allowed when billed with a diagnosis that supports medical necessity Codes Medicare Oxford GHI BCBS Hip/Vytra
76775
X
76770
X
76942
X
76872
X
76857
X
76873
X
76870
X
a. b. c. d.
Aetna Cigna* UHC Emp Gov
Billing information is obtained from Carrier’s policy and procedure manual Insurance carrier’s representative....... Communication with insurance carrier Review of carrier payment policy, EOB.
Healthnet*
Payable Ultrasonic Procedures per NY If the box is checked, the procedure listed is allowed when billed with a diagnosis that supports medical necessity Codes Medicare Oxford GHI BCBS Hip/Vytra Aetna Cigna UHC
X X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
76942
X X
X
X
X
X
76872
X X
X
X
X
76857
X X
76873
X
76870
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Emp Gov Healthnet
x
76775 76770
X
X
X
X
New York Downstate Billing information is obtained from a. Carrier’s policy and procedure manual b. Insurance carrier’s representative....... c. Communication with insurance carrier d. Review of carrier payment policy, EOB.
New York
X
Documenting Ultrasound Studies
Urology Imaging Coding Update Radiological Documentation (Report)
• A radiology report must be written & signed by the interpreting MD as an integral part of a radiological service and interpretation, and kept in the chart and separate from office notes • Full evaluation of an anatomic region (all organs) must be documented or described as “not seen” and the reason why organs are not seen • Image should be scanned into an EMR system
Urology Imaging Coding Update Radiological Documentation (Report)
• Documentation of Ultrasonic guidance must be documented and in the chart with recorded images of the site to be localized, as well as a documented description of the localization process, either separately or within the report of the procedure for which the guidance is utilized. • Documented reports of imaging and imaging procedures must be kept in the chart • Sonographic (radiological) dictations must be separate from office notes
ICD‐10 Coding for Radiological Studies Coding for a radiological study should include: • Medical necessity (medical reason or intent) for test – ICD ‐10 diagnosis code and/or – Signs and symptons
• Final ICD 10 diagnosis (sonography, PVR) – Code the findings of the study..N20.0, R33.8 – Code the signs and/or symptons when the radiological study is negative i.e. N23, R35.0
ICD‐9 Coding for Radiological Studies Coding for an Ultrasonic study should include: ,
• The study should be ordered in the “plan” of treatment or “recommendations” – By the Physician or the NPP at the time of the visit during which the sonogram is to be performed – An order may be noted in a previous office visit plan – A radiological study should not appear to be a routine or as a “standing order” for an ultrasound study
Renal Ultrasound: Documentation • Evaluate upper, mid and lower poles of each kidney in sagittal and transverse views • Sagittal view: evaluate cortex and renal sinus • Measure renal length of both kidneys • Comparison of echogenicity of kidney with adjacent structures (liver and spleen) • Document abnormalities seen • Measure renal parenchyma if indicated
Kidney Template
Urology Update 2015 Pelvic Sonogram Pelvic sonogram: (non obstetrical) evaluate with full bladder; scan in transverse and sagittal views
• Female – measurement of bladder volume, lower ureters for dilation, measurement of uterus & adnexa, measurement of endometrium, ovaries, pelvic pathology (eg. ovarian cysts, fibroids, free pelvic fluid); performance by urologists is not recommended by the AUA • Male – bladder volume and wall thickness, prostate size and s.v’s, (visualized transabdominally) pelvic pathology, (bladder tumor, prostate, pelvic nodes, fluid, or abscess)
76856
Full Pelvic Sonogram Template 76856
Bladder Sonogram Template 76857
Scrotal Ultrasound: Documentation • Evaluate each testis in its entirety. Evaluate the epididymis (head, body, and tail) when technically feasible. • Size and echogenicity of each testis and epididymis • Compare the contralateral side. Comparison of the testes, including gray scale and color Doppler imaging, is best accomplished with a side‐by‐side transverse image. Scrotal skin thickness should be evaluated. If a palpable abnormality is the indication for the sonogram, this area should be directly imaged. • Relevant extratesticular structures should be evaluated. Additional techniques such as Valsalva maneuver and upright positioning can be used as needed. • Any abnormality should be documented. • Doppler sonography (spectral and color/power Doppler imaging) AIUM Practice Guidelines http://www.aium.org
Scrotal Ultrasound 76870 Scrotum and contents Evaluation and measurement: Both testes, often viewed side by side Epididymis (head, body, and tail), when technically feasible Scrotal skin thickness If a palpable abnormality is the indication for the sonogram, this area should be directly imaged. Relevant extratesticular structures should be evaluated.
http://www.auacodingtoday.com
Prostate: Documentation • Scan in transverse and sagittal planes from base to apex • Measure prostate volume: height and width transverse; length sagittal • Evaluate the symmetry of the prostate and continuity of capsule • Document any abnormalities: hypoechoic or hyperechoic areas • Evaluate surrounding structures including the bladder, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, vascular structures and appearance of the rectal wall, prostatic capsule, is intact or invaded?.
AUA Recommendations: http://www.auanet.org/contentt/guidelines‐and‐quality‐care/policy‐ statements/c/consensus‐statement‐on‐urologic‐ultrasound‐utilization.cfm
Transrectal Prostate Sonography & Biopsy Template
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler Evaluation of Vascular Structures (other than color flow used for anatomical structure identification) is used, report the appropriate non‐invasive vascular diagnostic studies code in the Medicine Section of CPT®.
Abdominal, Pelvic, Scrotal contents and/or Retroperitoneal Organs
Penile Vessels
93975 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; complete study (e.g. scrotal Doppler for torsion)
93976 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; limited study (e.g. intraoperative renal ultrasound with Doppler for partial nephrectomy)
93980 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels; complete study 93981 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels; follow‐up or limited study
http://www.auacodingtoday.com
Renal Ultrasound: Doppler • • • • •
Assess renal arterial and venous patency Perforation of segments in traumatic fracture of kidney Suspected renal artery stenosis Suspected arteriovenous malformation (e.g. after PCN) Rarely paid by insurance carriers without special documentation
Fractured kidney AIUM Practice Guidelines http://www.aium.org
Prostate Ultrasound: Indications for Doppler • Evaluate intraprostatic blood flow and areas of increased flow suspicious for neoplasm • Rarely paid by Medicare and other insurance carriers AUA Recommendations: http://www.auanet.org/contentt/guidelines‐and‐quality‐care/policy‐ statements/c/consensus‐statement‐on‐urologic‐ultrasound‐utilization.cfm
Accreditation of Urology Practices American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine AIUM
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
AIUM Practice Accreditation • AIUM accredits practices, not individuals • AIUM is separate from AUA (the AUA does not accredit practices) • AUA provides CME opportunities that meet the AIUM training guidelines for physicians who completed residency before July 2009
Requirements for Initial Accreditation • Practice Personnel – Sonographers or non‐physicians performing ultrasound exams must be certified
• Comply with AIUM Performance Guidelines for Ultrasound in the Practice of Urology • Comply with other requirements – (i.e. quality assurance program, document storage, patient safety)
• Complete application and submit sample studies to AIUM
Requirements for Re‐Accreditation • Maintain CME for all personnel – Urologists 10 AMA PRA Category 1 credits in GU ultrasound every 3 years
• Perform 50 ultrasounds per year (150/3 yrs)* * There is an alternative for low‐volume practitioners
Applying for Accreditation http://www.AIUM.org
Coding Questions?? Call Me ‐ I’d be Happy to Help! • Private 516 741 0118 • Cellular 516 721 8149 • Office 516 746 5550 • Fax 516 294 4736 • E mail
[email protected]
• Call AUA Coding Hotline: 1‐866‐RING‐ AUA (1‐866‐746‐4282) • Select option 3 and receive answers to your toughest coding questions from the certified professional coders on our staff