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Official Description

Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, first trimester fetal nuchal translucency measurement, transabdominal or transvaginal 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 76814 refers to a specific ultrasound procedure performed on a pregnant uterus during the first trimester. This procedure involves real-time imaging with documentation, focusing on the measurement of fetal nuchal translucency. The ultrasound can be conducted using either a transabdominal or transvaginal approach, depending on the clinical situation and the preference of the healthcare provider. Real-time ultrasound technology allows for the visualization of both static images and dynamic movement, providing a comprehensive view of the fetus and surrounding structures. Nuchal translucency is defined as the measurement of subcutaneous fluid accumulation in the neck region of the fetus, which is assessed through ultrasound. The measurement is taken from the maximum thickness of the sonolucent area located between the inner surface of the fetal skin and the outer surface of the soft tissue that covers the cervical spine or occipital bone. An increased measurement of nuchal translucency during the first trimester can indicate potential chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders, including but not limited to Down syndrome, trisomy 13 or 18, congenital heart defects, and skeletal dysplasias. It is important to note that CPT® Code 76814 is used specifically for each additional gestation beyond the first, which is coded separately as CPT® Code 76813.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The ultrasound procedure described by CPT® Code 76814 is indicated for the assessment of fetal nuchal translucency during the first trimester of pregnancy. This measurement is crucial for identifying potential risks associated with chromosomal abnormalities and genetic conditions. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Increased Risk of Chromosomal Defects The procedure is indicated for pregnancies where there is a heightened risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13, or trisomy 18.
  • Assessment of Fetal Anomalies It is also performed to evaluate potential fetal anomalies, including congenital heart defects and skeletal dysplasias.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 76814 involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of fetal nuchal translucency. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and the healthcare provider explains the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Depending on the approach chosen, either a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound will be performed.
  • Step 2: Ultrasound Application For a transabdominal approach, a gel is applied to the abdomen to facilitate sound wave transmission. For a transvaginal approach, a transducer is inserted into the vagina. The ultrasound machine is activated to begin real-time imaging.
  • Step 3: Image Acquisition The provider carefully maneuvers the transducer to obtain clear images of the fetus, focusing on the neck area to measure nuchal translucency. The maximum thickness of the subcutaneous fluid pocket is measured, ensuring accurate documentation of the findings.
  • Step 4: Documentation The images and measurements are documented in real-time, providing a comprehensive record of the nuchal translucency assessment. This documentation is essential for further evaluation and potential follow-up.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the ultrasound procedure, the patient may be advised on any necessary follow-up based on the results of the nuchal translucency measurement. If the measurement indicates increased translucency, further diagnostic testing may be recommended to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The patient is typically informed about the results during the follow-up appointment, and any additional care or monitoring will be discussed as needed. There are generally no specific post-procedure restrictions, and patients can resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.

Short Descr OB US NUCHAL MEAS ADD-ON
Medium Descr US FETAL NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY EA ADDL GESTATION
Long Descr Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, first trimester fetal nuchal translucency measurement, transabdominal or transvaginal approach; each additional gestation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
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 03 - Procedure must be performed under the personal supervision of 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.

76813 Female Edit MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, first trimester fetal nuchal translucency measurement, transabdominal or transvaginal 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.
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.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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