S39.82XA — Other specified injuries of lower back, initial encounter
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).
- Initial lumbar MRI is covered when the test is medically reasonable and necessary and the medical record documents clinical rationale and supports the ICD-10-CM code(s) billed.
- A second lumbar MRI for the same patient is allowable when documentation shows comparative test results are needed to make a more definitive treatment decision.
- Multiple scans of different body areas performed on the same day for the same patient are payable when each scan is reasonable and necessary.
- T82.535S | Leakage of umbrella device, sequela
11 Active Policies
A57207 — Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI
A57327 — Billing and Coding: Electrocardiograms
A55336 — Billing and Coding: Retroperitoneal Ultrasound
A56421 — Billing and Coding: CT of the Abdomen and Pelvis
A57206 — Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.