Post-Void Residual Urine and/or Bladder Capacity by Ultrasound

Medicare covers bladder ultrasound (bladder scan) to measure post-void residual urine for assessment of post-void bladder retention and for diagnosis/management of lower urinary tract dysfunctions (e.g., urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder) when the results will inform treatment and the patient can participate in evaluation and management. The test is not medically necessary if no treatment is planned, routine scanning in nursing homes/SNFs for incontinence is not warranted, and simultaneous use of both ultrasound and catheterization for PVR in the same session is not covered; billing separate PVR charges when a pelvic ultrasound (CPT 76856/76857) is billed is disallowed. Providers must follow MAC billing/jurisdiction rules and must notify beneficiaries in writing before performing the test if the provider is aware it may not be covered.

"Bladder ultrasound (bladder scan) is covered to measure post-void residual (PVR) urine volume to assess post-void urinary bladder retention."