Has CPT code 76880 been deleted?

Answer 1

As you noted, January 1, CPT 76880 (ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation) is no more. On January 1, 2011, nonvascular extremity ultrasound will have two new codes:

CPT 76881 - Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation, complete.

CPT Guidelines: A complete ultrasound examination of an extremity consists of real-time scans of a specific joint that includes examination of the muscles, tendons, joint, other soft tissue structures, and any identifiable abnormality.

CPT 76882 - Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation, limited, anatomic specific.

CPT Guidelines: A limited, anatomic-specific ultrasound examination is performed primarily for evaluation of muscles, tendons, joints, and/or soft tissues. It is a limited examination where a specific anatomic structure such as a tendon or muscle [Moderator Note: or plantar fascia] is being assessed. The code would be used to evaluate a soft-tissue mass that may be present in an extremity where knowledge of its cystic or solid characteristic is needed.

Most ultrasound examinations performed by foot and ankle specialists would be expected to fall in the CPT 76882 - limited, anatomic specific - category.