Ultrasound Types & Corresponding CPT Codes: Limited, Complete, Real-Time, 3D

Ultrasound Categories & Typical CPT Codes

Note: CPT codes are anatomic-site specific. Below are conceptual categories with representative codes.

Category	Definition	Example CPT Codes
Limited	Focused evaluation of a specific organ/zone or limited follow-up	76705 (abdomen limited), 76815 (OB limited), 76857 (pelvic limited)
Complete	Comprehensive evaluation of all required structures per protocol	76700 (abdomen complete), 76805 (OB complete 1st tri), 76811 (OB detailed anatomic), 76856 (pelvic complete)
Real-Time	Dynamic imaging (standard for all diagnostic US); not a separate code	Inherent in above codes; 76998 (intraop US guidance) is real-time
3D/4D	Volumetric acquisition (+ time for 4D); reconstruction	76376 (3D rendering w/ interpretation), 76377 (3D rendering w/o interp – add-on)

Key Coding Principles

• Code by anatomic region + completeness (limited vs. complete).
• OB codes stratified by trimester & detail level (76801, 76805, 76811, 76815, 76816, 76817).
• Vascular duplex codes separate (93975, 93976, 93978, 93979, 93980, 93981).
• Guidance codes (76937, 76942, 76998) are add-ons to procedure.

Documentation Requirements

• Indication, transducer frequency, images stored, measurements, interpretation.
• For complete: all required elements documented (e.g., liver, gallbladder, CBD, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, aorta, IVC for abdomen complete).