N29, Other disorders of kidney and ureter in diseases classified elsewhere
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).
- Non‑invasive abdominal/visceral vascular studies are covered when the test results will be used to directly inform or change the patient's clinical management.
- A preoperative non‑invasive abdominal/visceral vascular study is covered as reasonable and necessary for patients undergoing bypass surgery (one preoperative scan considered reasonable).
- Medically necessary follow‑up non‑invasive abdominal/visceral vascular studies after angioplasty are covered as indicated by the vascular distribution treated.
- Non‑invasive abdominal/visceral vascular studies performed in the inpatient hospital (place of service 21) or emergency room (place of service 23) are permitted and are not subject to the routine once‑per‑year outpatient limitation.
6 Active Policies
A57591, Billing and Coding: Non-Invasive Abdominal / Visceral Vascular Studies
J5
WPS-L35755, Non-Invasive Abdominal / Visceral Vascular Studies
J8
AETNA-CPB-0709, Nesiritide (Natrecor)
A55336, Billing and Coding: Retroperitoneal Ultrasound
A56421, Billing and Coding: CT of the Abdomen and Pelvis
Related Codes
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