K85.20 — Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection
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 guidance complements Local Coverage Determination L34434; follow LCD L34434 for clinical coverage criteria and required documentation for claims.
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.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is medically necessary when the patient has one or more documented diagnoses listed as supporting medical necessity (e.g., F91.9, G97.81, T81.9XXA, T88.8XXA, F79) and the diagnosis is matched to the anesthesia/CPT/HCPCS procedure performed.
- Use G9 anesthesia modifier to indicate need for MAC due to a history of severe or advanced cardiopulmonary disease when the proceduralist determines additional monitoring is required.
- Use G8 anesthesia modifier for certain deep, complex, complicated, or markedly invasive surgical procedures when applied to anesthesia codes 00100, 00300, 00400, 00160, 00532, or 00920.
20 Active Policies
A57736 — Billing and Coding: Vitamin D Assay Testing
J06
L37535 — Vitamin D Assay Testing
J06
L33583 — Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
A57063 — Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
A57414
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