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Official Description

Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation plus detailed fetal anatomic examination, transabdominal approach; each additional gestation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 76812 refers to a specific type of obstetric ultrasound procedure known as a real-time transabdominal ultrasound. This procedure is performed on a pregnant uterus and includes comprehensive image documentation. The primary purpose of this ultrasound is to evaluate both fetal and maternal conditions, with a particular focus on a detailed anatomical examination of the fetus. During the procedure, the healthcare provider assesses various aspects of the fetus, including its viability, gestational age, and anatomical structures. This evaluation is crucial for identifying multiple gestations, determining the position of the fetus and placenta, and surveying the fetal anatomy, which encompasses critical areas such as the brain, spine, abdomen, and heart. The procedure also involves evaluating the umbilical cord insertion site and assessing the volume of amniotic fluid, as well as examining the maternal uterus and adnexa when visible. To conduct the ultrasound, the mother is typically required to have a full bladder, which aids in obtaining clearer images. Acoustic coupling gel is applied to the skin of the lower abdomen, and a transducer is used to capture images by emitting ultrasonic wave pulses. These waves reflect off the fetus and surrounding structures, allowing for the visualization of any abnormalities. After the procedure, the physician reviews the captured images and provides a written interpretation of the findings. It is important to note that this code is specifically designated for each additional gestation in a multiple pregnancy, while code 76811 is used for the first gestation or a single gestation evaluation.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 76812 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios related to obstetric evaluations. The following conditions or situations may warrant the performance of this ultrasound procedure:

  • Evaluation of Fetal Viability This procedure is performed to confirm the presence of a viable fetus within the pregnant uterus.
  • Assessment of Multiple Gestations The ultrasound helps determine if there are multiple fetuses present in the uterus.
  • Determination of Fetal Age Fetal measurements obtained during the ultrasound assist in estimating the gestational age of the fetus.
  • Fetal Positioning The procedure evaluates the position of the fetus and the placenta, which is critical for planning delivery.
  • Survey of Fetal Anatomy A detailed examination of fetal anatomy, including the brain, spine, abdomen, and heart, is conducted to identify any potential abnormalities.
  • Evaluation of Amniotic Fluid Volume The ultrasound assesses the volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, which is important for fetal health.
  • Maternal Uterus and Adnexa Evaluation The procedure may also include an assessment of the maternal uterus and adnexa, if they are visible during the ultrasound.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 76812 involves several key steps that ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the pregnant uterus and fetus. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Preparation of the Patient The mother is instructed to arrive with a full bladder, which enhances the clarity of the ultrasound images. This is an important preparatory step to ensure optimal visualization of the fetal and maternal structures.
  • Application of Acoustic Coupling Gel Once the patient is positioned comfortably, acoustic coupling gel is applied to the skin of the lower abdomen. This gel is essential for facilitating the transmission of ultrasound waves between the transducer and the skin.
  • Transducer Placement The healthcare provider then takes a transducer, which is a handheld device that emits and receives ultrasound waves, and presses it firmly against the skin of the lower abdomen. The transducer is moved back and forth across the abdomen to capture images of the pregnant uterus and surrounding structures.
  • Image Acquisition As the transducer is manipulated, ultrasonic wave pulses are directed at the fetus and the pregnant uterus. The echoes produced by these waves are recorded, resulting in real-time images of the fetus and maternal pelvic structures. This step is crucial for identifying any abnormalities that may be present.
  • Image Review and Interpretation After the imaging is complete, the physician reviews the ultrasound images. A detailed interpretation of the findings is documented, which includes an assessment of the fetal anatomy and any identified abnormalities.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the completion of the ultrasound procedure coded as CPT® 76812, the patient may be provided with specific post-procedure care instructions. Typically, there are no significant restrictions or recovery requirements following this non-invasive procedure. The physician will discuss the findings with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the ultrasound results. If any abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic testing or monitoring may be recommended. The patient is encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding the results or subsequent steps in their care.

Short Descr OB US DETAILED ADDL FETUS
Medium Descr US PREG UTERUS DETAIL FETAL ANAT EXAM EA GESTAT
Long Descr Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation plus detailed fetal anatomic examination, transabdominal approach; each additional gestation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 01 - Procedure must be performed under the general supervision of a physician.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I3B - Echography/ultrasonography - abdomen/pelvis
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 197 - Other diagnostic ultrasound

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

76811 Female Edit MPFS Status: Active Code APC S ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation plus detailed fetal anatomic examination, transabdominal approach; single or first gestation
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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