Ultrasound CPT Codes and Medical billing guide
Ultrasound imaging is a crucial diagnostic tool used across multiple specialties, from obstetrics to cardiology. For accurate reimbursement and compliance, it’s essential to use the correct ultrasound CPT codes. This guide explains key CPT codes for abdominal, renal, vascular, breast, thyroid, and other ultrasound procedures, helping healthcare providers and billers stay aligned with 2025 coding standards.
Numerous ultrasound-related CPT codes, that are crucial for medical billing accuracy. In this blog post, we can break down the present-day ultrasound CPT codes for and pay attention to the important thing factors to make certain proper billing practices.
What Are Ultrasound CPT Codes?
Ultrasound CPT codes are numeric identifiers defined by the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system, maintained by the AMA. They standardize medical procedures for documentation, insurance billing, and reimbursement.
Each ultrasound code specifies the body part examined and whether the exam is complete or limited.
Common Ultrasound CPT Codes by Category
Abdominal Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76700 – Ultrasound, abdomen, complete
- 76705 – Ultrasound, abdomen, limited
- 76770 – Ultrasound, retroperitoneal (renal), complete
- 76775 – Ultrasound, retroperitoneal, limited
These are used for evaluating organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
Breast Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76641 – Ultrasound, breast, complete, unilateral
- 76642 – Ultrasound, breast, limited, unilateral
These codes apply to both diagnostic and screening breast ultrasounds.
Vascular Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 93925 – Duplex examination of lower extremity arteries, bilateral
- 93926 – Duplex scan of lower extremity veins, bilateral
- 93975 – Doppler study of abdominal, pelvic, or retroperitoneal organs
Used to measure blood flow and perceive vascular abnormalities.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76881 – Ultrasound of extremity, nonvascular, complete
- 76882 – Ultrasound of extremity, nonvascular, limited, anatomic specific
- 76890 – Ultrasound-guided joint injection
MSK ultrasounds are common for diagnosing tendon, ligament, or joint disorders.
Pelvic & OB Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76801 – Ultrasound, pelvic, complete, real-time with image documentation
- 76802 – Ultrasound for additional fetus
- 76805 – Obstetric ultrasound, complete
- 76810 – Obstetric ultrasound, limited
Used in gynecology and prenatal imaging to monitor reproductive health and fetal development.
Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76536 – Ultrasound, soft matters of the head and neck
- 76506 – Ultrasound, thyroid with color flow imaging
Ideal for evaluating thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and salivary glands.
Therapeutic and Guidance Ultrasound CPT Codes
- 76942 – Ultrasound management for needle location (biopsy, aspiration, or injection)
- 76998 – Ultrasound guidance for intraoperative procedures
Important Modifier: Modifier 59
When multiple ultrasound procedures are performed on the same day, Modifier 59 should be added to indicate distinct services.
Example:
- 76700-59 (Abdominal)
- 76881-59 (Musculoskeletal)
Tips for Accurate Ultrasound Billing
- Always document medical necessity with corresponding ICD-10 codes.
- Use “complete” vs. “limited” codes correctly based on the exam scope.
- Check payer-specific rules, as coverage and bundling policies vary.
- Verify code updates annually, CPT codes may change with new technology or guidelines.
Conclusion
Staying up to date with the ultrasound CPT codes is essential for healthcare providers and medical billing experts.Accurate use of ultrasound CPT codes ensures smooth claim submission, reduces denials, and maximizes reimbursement.
Whether you’re billing for a renal, pelvic, breast, or vascular ultrasound, coding precision is key to financial and clinical compliance.
Partner with Express Medical Billing to streamline Ultrsoun billing process, reduce denials, and ensure faster, more accurate claim reimbursements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some commonly used CPT codes include:
- 76700 – Abdominal ultrasound, complete
- 76705 – Abdominal ultrasound, limited
- 76770 – Retroperitoneal ultrasound, complete
- 76641 – Breast ultrasound, complete
- 76801 – Pelvic ultrasound, complete
The CPT code for a renal (kidney) ultrasound is 76770 (complete) or 76775 (limited).
Use 76536 – Ultrasound, soft tissues of head and neck for thyroid or parathyroid scans.
Report 76870 – Ultrasound, scrotum and contents for testicular imaging.
Report 76870 – Ultrasound, scrotum and contents for testicular imaging.
Report 76870 – Ultrasound, scrotum and contents for testicular imaging.
The 92502 CPT code represents a comprehensive ear, nose, and throat evaluation that requires the patient to be fully sedated under general anesthesia. It’s typically used when a detailed ear, nose, and throat exam can't be done while the patient is awake common in children or patients with special needs.
CPT 92502 involves an ENT examination done while the patient is under general anesthesia, whereas 92504 refers to an ear exam using a microscope, usually performed without anesthesia. They serve different purposes and should not be billed together for the same ear evaluation.
Yes, most insurers cover 92502 when it’s medically necessary. However, documentation must clearly show why general anesthesia was needed for the ENT exam.
- 76700 for complete abdominal ultrasound
- 76705 for limited abdominal ultrasound
- 76856 for complete pelvic ultrasound
- 76857 for limited pelvic ultrasound
- 76801 for the first trimester (complete)
- 76805 for the second/third trimester (complete)
- 76815 for limited or follow-up OB ultrasound
Yes, if medically necessary and properly documented. Modifier 59 may be required to indicate distinct procedural services.
Yes, but coverage depends on medical necessity and payer-specific rules. Always verify pre-authorization requirements before performing the scan.
