November Coding Q&A

Members & Publications

November 27, 2017

Got coding questions? Your Academy has the answers. Each month we feature a member’s question with an answer provided by AAPM&R’s Reimbursement and Policy Review Committee (RPRC).

Q: If I am providing injections on multiple body areas using ultrasound guidance (CPT code 76942), can I bill multiple units of the ultrasound guidance code?

A: No. Ultrasound guidance can only be billed once per day per patient, regardless of the number of limbs or areas. It is important to remember that ultrasound guidance is bundled into the joint injection codes (20611, 20606, 20604) and the ultrasound guidance code 76942 would not be billed separately. For additional information on when it is appropriate to bill separately for ultrasound guidance, please see the May 2017 edition of Coding Q&A.  

Find additional resources related to reimbursement here. Do you have a coding or billing question? Contact AAPM&R at codingquestions@aapmr.org for assistance. 

Accurate coding is the responsibility of the provider. This article is intended only as a resource to assist in the billing process.


Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.