What is the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) US (Ultrasound)?

CPT Codes for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

There are no specific CPT codes designated exclusively for POCUS procedures. POCUS is billed using the same ultrasound CPT codes as traditional comprehensive ultrasound examinations, based on the anatomical area examined and the extent of the examination performed.

Billing Framework for POCUS

POCUS billing follows standard ultrasound CPT coding conventions, which are organized by:

1. Anatomical region examined
2. Complete vs. limited examination

Key Anatomical Region Codes

• Cardiac/Echocardiography

  • Limited: 93308
  • Complete: 93306 (with spectral and color Doppler)

• Lung/Thoracic

  • Limited: 76604
  • Complete: 76604 with modifier

• Abdominal

  • Limited: 76705
  • Complete: 76700

• Vascular

  • Limited extremity arterial: 93926
  • Complete extremity arterial: 93925
  • Limited extremity venous: 93971
  • Complete extremity venous: 93970

• Procedural Guidance

  • Ultrasound guidance for vascular access: 76937
  • Ultrasound guidance for needle placement: 76942

Documentation Requirements

For proper billing of POCUS, documentation must include:

• Clinical indication for the examination
• Description of structures examined
• Interpretation of findings
• Permanent image storage
• Signature of the performing provider

Common Pitfalls in POCUS Billing

• Inadequate documentation: Failing to document the complete ultrasound examination process
• Missing images: Not storing permanent images for quality assurance review
• Incorrect code selection: Using complete examination codes for limited studies
• Duplicate billing: Billing for both POCUS and a formal ultrasound of the same anatomical area on the same day

Implementation Considerations

While POCUS has become standard practice in emergency medicine, critical care, and musculoskeletal medicine 1, implementation in other settings requires consideration of:

• Provider training and credentialing
• Image archiving systems
• Quality assurance processes
• Billing infrastructure

The European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) has developed guidelines for POCUS applications in critical care settings 2, which can serve as a model for developing institutional protocols for POCUS use and billing.

Training and Credentialing

Several organizations offer POCUS training and credentialing, including:

• American College of Emergency Physicians
• American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
• Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
• American College of Radiology

Training standards for POCUS have been defined for residency programs but are less established for post-graduate credentialing 1.