Ask Dr. Z

Can you elaborate please on when it is appropriate to report codes 76937 and 76942? Can these codes be reported by both the hospital and the physician when ultrasound is used to to locate vascular access? From the facility side, we report 76937 when placing central venous access devices, such as dialysis catheters. The Interventional Radiologists also frequently use the Sonosite ultrasound device to locate vascular access during lower extremity diagnostic and interventional cases and fistulagrams. Is it appropriate to report 76937 for the routine use of the Sonosite during cases other than central venous access cases? (Provided that images are saved and ultrasound use is documented in the dictation). The physician coders and the facility coders are trying to be sure that we have the correct practices in places in regards to these codes. Thank you so much!