**************** CPT cite: 
76942  Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), imaging supervision and interpretation

(Do not report 76942 in conjunction with 37760, 37761, 43232, 43237, 43242, 45341, 45342, or 76975)
***************

Separate codes for ultrasound guidance for thoracentesis, abdominal paracentesis, cyst or renal pelvis aspiration have been deleted.  

A number of other ultrasound guidance codes exist (see the CPT 769## series) but most of these are, I suspect, not on point.

With regard to the performance of more than one guidance procedure on a given patient on a given date of service (i.e., not the same needle in the same location but a different location, body part, etc.), the use of a -59 modifier would be appropriate.  Best source for instruction (assuming you do not have a certified coder sitting around) is CMS at http://www.cms.gov/NationalCorrectCodInitEd/Downloads/modifier59.pdf - 

Having said that, there is always the caveat that the use of the -59 by no means ensures that the procedure will be covered and, if you actually want to get paid, someone needs to be prepared to appeal the denials when received (or demand letters when the RAC notices the -59s).

All the best ...

-----Original Message-----
From: UVM Flownet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of PaintedBride
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 1:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FNA: CPT Code?

Hi folks,

I was just wondering what CPT code is appropriate to use for
ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration procedures? Would the code be
different if we aspirate more than one location (for example: 1 thyroid + 1
axilla + 1 breast)? Thanks a bunch!

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