Considerations in incorporating office-based ultrasound of the head and neck
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, September 25-28, 2005, in Los Angeles, California.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the cost considerations and strategies for incorporating ultrasound (US) in a head and neck practice.
Study design and setting
A retrospective chart review of office-based US procedures from 2001 to 2005 was completed at our academic medical center. Billing and coding for US and US guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) were examined.
Results
The appropriate CPT codes are 76536 for US and 76942 and 10022 for USFNA-related procedures. The USFNA codes should be used repeatedly for correct coding of biopsies from multiple sites. Cost (equipment) sharing between specialties is a potential strategy for office-based US incorporation.
Conclusion
Based on practice volume, specific CPT coding, and Medicare reimbursements, office-based US equipment and certification costs could be offset in 1 year.
Significance
Office-based US can be readily incorporated with significant benefits to patients. Billing and usage strategies were identified that would improve the economics of providing office-based US.
aDepartment of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
bDepartment of Geriatrics; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
cDepartment of Surgery; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
dCentral Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas
Reprint requests: Mimi S. Kokoska, MD, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Slot 543, Little Rock, AR 72205.
ABSTRACT