Coding 76937, Ultrasound Guidance for Vascular Access
CPT code 76937 is defined as “Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring ultrasound evaluation of potential access sites, documentation of selected vessel patency, concurrent real-time ultrasound visualization of vascular needle entry, with permanent recording and reporting (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure). When ultrasound guidance is used for assistance with vascular access, as seen in the CPT description above, it must include all of the following:
- Ultrasound must be used to evaluate potential access sites.
- The dictated report must include documentation of the patency of the vein selected for entry.
- Examples: Documentation such as patent, narrowed, or tortuous vein(s).
- Ultrasound must be used for real-time visualization of vascular entry.
- It is not appropriate to code 76937 if the vessel is seen by ultrasound and marked, but ultrasound is not used to guide the needle entry.
- There must be documentation of the localization process in the medical record.
- There must be permanent recordings (image(s)) of the chosen vein.
- If the interpreting physician does not include documentation of permanent image recording in the procedure report, copies of images must be provided for each account coded or audited.
Q: Is CPT code 76937 appropriate for this scenario? 1% lidocaine was infiltrated within the skin overlying the right common femoral artery for local anesthesia. Ultrasound was performed for guidance and an image was stored in the patient’s medical record. Under direct ultrasound guidance with the permanent image recorded a micro-puncture needle was advanced into the patent common femoral artery and a microwire was advanced (76937). An 035 wire was advanced into the abdominal aorta and a 5 French sheath advanced over the wire.
A: Yes. The documentation of ultrasound guidance included all required components the coder may apply 76937.
Reference: FY 2023 CPT code book, CPT Assistant, ACR Bulletin, March 2002
