CPT 75891Radiology

Vein x-ray liver

CPT 75891 covers an X-ray procedure (venography) of the liver's veins, where contrast dye is injected to visualize blood flow and identify blockages, clots, or abnormalities in the hepatic venous system.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$120.33

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.14

PE RVU (NF)

2.5

MP RVU

0.08

Total RVU

3.72

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Bill 75891 only for the supervision and interpretation component; ensure the injection/catheterization procedure (36011, 36012) is billed separately when performed
Impact: Prevents $80-150 revenue loss from unbilled catheterization procedures that are separately reportable
Document medical necessity clearly, including specific clinical indication (suspected Budd-Chiari, pre-TIPS evaluation, etc.) to differentiate from routine portal venous phase CT
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 40-60% when clear differentiation from cross-sectional imaging is established
Verify that contrast injection, fluoroscopic imaging, and formal radiological interpretation are all documented in the medical record before billing
Impact: Missing any of these three elements results in 100% payment denial and potential audit risk
When performed with TIPS procedure (37182-37183), confirm payer-specific bundling rules as some payers include venography in the TIPS code
Impact: Prevents $120.33 overpayment recoupment during retrospective audits
Use modifier 59 appropriately when hepatic venography is performed separately from wedged hepatic venous pressure measurement (93562) on the same date
Impact: Recovers $120.33 that would otherwise be bundled/denied without proper modifier usage
For Medicare patients, ensure ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) is obtained if medical necessity may not be met, particularly for repeat studies within 30 days
Impact: Protects practice from $120.33 write-off if Medicare denies as not medically necessary

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 75891?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 75891 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment rate for CPT 75891 is $120.33 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on 3.72 total RVUs (1.14 work RVU, 2.5 PE RVU, 0.08 malpractice RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 75891 be billed with TIPS procedure codes?

CPT 75891 may be bundled with TIPS codes (37182-37183) depending on payer policy. Medicare typically bundles venography performed as part of TIPS placement, but diagnostic venography performed before the decision to proceed with TIPS and documented separately may be billable with modifier 59 if medical necessity criteria are met.

What is the difference between CPT 75891 and standard abdominal venography?

CPT 75891 specifically describes hepatic venography targeting the hepatic veins and hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava, while general venography codes cover other venous territories. The hepatic-specific code is used for evaluating portal hypertension, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and pre-transplant venous mapping.

Do I need modifier 26 when billing CPT 75891 in a hospital setting?

Yes, physicians performing only the interpretation in a hospital setting should append modifier 26 to bill the professional component. The hospital bills the technical component (equipment, staff, supplies) separately with modifier TC. Without modifiers, the code represents the global service.

What catheterization codes can be billed with CPT 75891?

CPT 75891 is the supervision and interpretation code only. Separately bill the catheter placement using codes such as 36011 (selective catheter placement, venous system) or 36012 (second order or more selective) depending on the specific vessels catheterized to access the hepatic veins.

How many RVUs is CPT 75891 worth in 2025?

CPT 75891 has 3.72 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 1.14 work RVUs, 2.5 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.08 malpractice RVUs according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Is prior authorization required for CPT 75891?

Prior authorization requirements vary by payer and state. Many commercial insurers and Medicare Advantage plans require pre-authorization for hepatic venography as it is an invasive vascular procedure. Always verify specific payer policies before scheduling, as failure to obtain authorization can result in complete claim denial.