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Official Description

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS), including color flow Doppler, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is a specialized ultrasound procedure used to evaluate the uterine cavity. This technique involves the infusion of sterile saline into the uterus to enhance the visibility of the uterine lining during transvaginal ultrasound imaging. The procedure begins with the insertion of a vaginal ultrasound probe, which allows for a baseline assessment of the uterus. Following this initial imaging, a catheter is carefully inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity, a step that is considered a separately reportable procedure. Once the catheter is in place, sterile saline is infused into the uterus while the ultrasound probe is reinserted. This infusion helps to distend the uterine cavity, allowing for a more detailed examination of the uterine surface and the identification of any abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, or other structural issues. After the procedure is completed, the catheter is removed, and the physician documents the findings in a written report, which is essential for further evaluation and management of the patient's condition.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed visualization of the uterine cavity is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of SIS:

  • Uterine Abnormalities The procedure is performed to investigate suspected uterine abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids, which may affect a patient's reproductive health.
  • Infertility Evaluation SIS is often indicated in the workup of infertility to assess the uterine cavity for any structural issues that could impede conception or implantation.
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding The procedure may be indicated for patients experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, allowing for the identification of potential causes related to the uterine lining.
  • Preoperative Assessment SIS can be utilized as a preoperative assessment tool prior to surgical interventions involving the uterus, ensuring that any existing conditions are documented and addressed.

2. Procedure

The saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging of the uterine cavity. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Initial Ultrasound The procedure begins with the insertion of a vaginal ultrasound probe into the vagina. A baseline transvaginal ultrasound is performed to assess the uterine anatomy and identify any initial abnormalities.
  • Step 2: Catheter Insertion After the baseline ultrasound, the vaginal probe is removed, and a catheter is carefully inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. This step is crucial as it allows for the subsequent infusion of sterile saline into the uterine cavity.
  • Step 3: Saline Infusion The vaginal ultrasound probe is reinserted, and the physician instills sterile saline into the uterus through the catheter. This infusion distends the uterine cavity, enhancing the visibility of the uterine lining during the ultrasound examination.
  • Step 4: Imaging the Uterine Cavity As the saline is infused, the ultrasound probe is maneuvered to study the entire surface of the uterine cavity. The physician carefully observes and notes any abnormalities that may be present, such as irregularities in the uterine lining.
  • Step 5: Completion and Reporting Following the completion of the saline infusion and imaging, the catheter is removed. The physician then provides a written report detailing the findings from the procedure, which is essential for further clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) procedure, patients may experience mild cramping or spotting, which is generally considered normal. It is important for the physician to provide post-procedure care instructions, including recommendations for monitoring any symptoms and when to seek further medical attention if necessary. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. The written report generated by the physician will include findings that may guide further evaluation or treatment options based on the results of the SIS.

Short Descr ECHO EXAM UTERUS
Medium Descr SALINE INFUS SONOHYSTEROGRAPHY W/COLOR DOPPLER
Long Descr Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS), including color flow Doppler, when performed
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) 4 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic imaging procedures apply...
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
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 88 -
APC Status Indicator Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC
ASC Payment Indicator Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I3B - Echography/ultrasonography - abdomen/pelvis
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 197 - Other diagnostic ultrasound
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.
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
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1998-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1998.
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