Even at that time, it is to be used only once.Ĭontractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. In the case of plantar fasciitis, diagnostic ultrasound is NOT to be used in making an initial determination (diagnosis) and then should ONLY be used after a failed course of conservative management. Neuromas, plantar fasciitis, superficial ganglia, bursae and abscesses unless there is documented evidence of some clinical presentation that obscures the clinician’s ability to establish these simple clinical diagnoses. It is not reasonable and necessary to perform the contralateral extremity as a “control.” Bilateral studies are allowed only if there is pathology of both extremities dictating medical necessity for two distinct examinations. Neuromas (where the clinical impression is obvious and ultrasound is not likely to add further information) Ĥ. Extremity ultrasound is not considered medically necessary for the following conditions: plantar warts Extremity ultrasound 76881 or 76882 is limited to studies of the arms and legs.ģ.
Extremity ultrasound must be performed by qualified and knowledgeable physicians and/or technicians (sonographers) under the general supervision of a physician.Ģ. To aid in the diagnosis of and surgical removal of foreign bodies.ġ. To evaluate tendons (including tears, tendonitis and tenosynovitis), joints, plantar fascia, ligaments, soft tissue masses, ganglion cysts, intermetatarsal neuroma and stress fractures of the metatarsals Ĥ. To distinguish solid tumors from fluid-filled cysts ģ. To detect cysts, abscesses, tumors (including evaluation of size of tumors) and effusion Ģ. This LCD identifies the indications and limitations of Medicare coverage and reimbursement for these services.Įxtremity ultrasound is indicated for the following conditions:ġ. Ultrasound, echography and sonography are all terms that may be used interchangeably to describe this particular imaging technique. Longitudinal, transverse and oblique images of the area of interest are obtained.
Ultrasound of the extremity is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the extremities (arms and legs), providing real-time, two dimensional images. 76881 – Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation complete – Average fee amount $120ħ6882 – Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation limited, anatomic specific – Average fee amount $35