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Ultrasound, targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization (non-cardiac) is a specialized imaging technique that enhances the visualization of certain organs or tissues through the use of microbubble contrast agents. These agents consist of tiny gas-filled bubbles that are encased in a stable shell made of lipids, proteins, or polymers. The microbubbles are designed to be tagged with ligands that specifically bind to certain receptors present in the targeted tissues. When these microbubbles are injected intravenously, they travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in areas where the receptors are present. This accumulation alters the way ultrasound waves interact with the tissue, resulting in increased echogenicity, which allows for improved imaging of the targeted area. This technique is particularly useful for identifying and characterizing lesions, such as tumors and nodules, in organs like the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and ovaries. Additionally, it can be employed to evaluate inflammatory lesions and tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as to assess abdominal parenchyma for conditions such as hematomas and vascular injuries following trauma. The CPT® Code 76978 specifically reports the initial characterization of a non-cardiac lesion using this advanced ultrasound technique, while CPT® Code 76979 is used for reporting each additional lesion that requires a separate injection of the contrast agent.
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Targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization (non-cardiac) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where enhanced imaging is necessary to evaluate specific lesions or conditions. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this procedure:
The procedure for targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and characterization of the targeted lesion. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate adverse reactions to the contrast agent. It is important to ensure that the patient is stable before discharge. The results of the ultrasound imaging will be documented and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, who will provide a report detailing the findings. Follow-up care may be necessary depending on the results, and further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions may be recommended based on the characterization of the lesion. Patients should be informed about any potential symptoms to watch for post-procedure and advised on when to seek further medical attention if needed.
| Short Descr | US TRGT DYN MBUBB 1ST LES | Medium Descr | ULTRASOUND TRGT DYNAMIC MICROBUBBLE 1ST LESION | Long Descr | Ultrasound, targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization (non-cardiac); initial lesion | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 76979 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Ultrasound, targeted dynamic microbubble sonographic contrast characterization (non-cardiac); each additional lesion with separate injection (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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). | 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. | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2019-01-01 | Added | Added |
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