K82.3 — Fistula of gallbladder
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- Medical records must document that the ultrasound was limited to retroperitoneal structures when billing CPT 76770/76775/76776, including images/findings demonstrating limitation to the retroperitoneum.
- If the exam was expanded to include organs outside the retroperitoneum, documentation must reflect the expansion and support billing a full or limited abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700/76705/76706).
- Claims and documentation should follow the complementary Local Coverage Determination L34577 and any applicable LCD requirements.
- This billing and coding article provides guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34415 for CT of the abdomen and pelvis; consult LCD L34415 for specific coverage indications, limitations, and documentation requirements.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Retroperitoneal ultrasound (CPT 76770, 76775, 76776) is covered when the exam is limited solely to retroperitoneal structures.
- A full (complete) or limited abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700, 76705, 76706) is covered when the exam includes organs or structures outside the retroperitoneum or when primary findings involve non-retroperitoneal structures (e.g., gallbladder, liver, spleen, common bile duct).
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is covered when it meets the reasonable and necessary requirements specified in Local Coverage Determination L33583.
- EGD is covered for persistent upper abdominal distress (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease) that continues despite an appropriate trial of symptomatic therapy.
- EGD is covered for upper abdominal distress accompanied by a short history of concerning signs or symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, or NSAID/other gastric irritant intake.
- EGD is covered for patients older than 40 years who have a significant history of heartburn that recurs after a course of symptomatic therapy.
7 Active Policies
A57063 — Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
L33583 — Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
A56421 — Billing and Coding: CT of the Abdomen and Pelvis
A57802 — Billing and Coding: Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel
L34577 — Retroperitoneal Ultrasound
Related Codes
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