CPT 76882Radiology

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CPT code 76882 covers a limited ultrasound examination of a joint or focused area outside the blood vessels in an arm or leg. This is a diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and fluid collections in a specific targeted area.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$62.43

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

0.69

PE RVU (NF)

1.19

MP RVU

0.05

Total RVU

1.93

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific anatomic limitation - clearly state which single joint or focal area was examined (e.g., 'limited to anterior shoulder rotator cuff' not 'shoulder ultrasound')
Impact: Prevents downcoding or denials; the limited nature must be explicit to justify 76882 vs. complete study codes
Bill bilateral examinations separately with RT/LT modifiers when medically necessary and each side is independently documented
Impact: Can yield $124.86 (2x$62.43) for bilateral studies when properly documented, though some payers may apply multiple procedure reductions
Ensure permanent images are stored with measurements and annotations - Medicare requires retrievable images, not just interpretation
Impact: Prevents complete denial of $62.43 payment during audits; image storage is a mandatory component of the service
Do not bill 76882 with comprehensive extremity ultrasound codes (76881) for the same anatomic area on the same date
Impact: Unbundling will result in denial of one or both codes; use only the comprehensive code if entire joint/region is examined
When performing ultrasound guidance for injections, bill the appropriate guidance code (20606, 20611) separately - these are not bundled with 76882
Impact: Recovers additional $30-90 depending on guidance code; 76882 is for diagnostic interpretation, not procedural guidance
Include comparison to prior studies when available and document interval changes or stability
Impact: Strengthens medical necessity documentation and reduces audit risk; demonstrates clinical value of repeat examinations

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 76882 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 76882 is $62.43 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.93 total RVUs (0.69 work RVU, 1.19 PE RVU, 0.05 MP RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

What is the difference between CPT 76881 and 76882?

CPT 76881 is a complete ultrasound evaluation of an extremity joint or area, examining all relevant anatomic structures comprehensively. CPT 76882 is a limited ultrasound focusing on a specific structure or targeted region within a joint or extremity, such as a single tendon or bursa. Documentation must clearly support which level of service was performed.

Can CPT 76882 be billed bilaterally?

Yes, CPT 76882 can be billed bilaterally when medically necessary examinations are performed on both right and left sides. Use RT and LT modifiers to indicate laterality. Each side must be independently documented with separate findings and medical necessity. Some payers may apply multiple procedure payment reductions to the second side.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 76882?

Required documentation includes: clinical indication, specific anatomic area examined with stated limitations, ultrasound technique used, detailed findings, measurements of abnormalities, formal impression, permanent stored images with annotations, and interpreting physician signature. The report must clearly demonstrate why only a limited rather than complete study was performed.

Can CPT 76882 be billed with an office visit on the same day?

Yes, CPT 76882 can be billed with an E/M service on the same day when the ultrasound represents a separate diagnostic service with independent medical necessity. The E/M documentation should support the decision to order the ultrasound, and the ultrasound report should be a separate diagnostic interpretation. Modifier 25 may be required on the E/M code by some payers.

What are the work RVUs for CPT 76882 in 2025?

CPT 76882 has 0.69 work RVUs in 2025. The total RVU is 1.93, which includes 0.69 work RVU, 1.19 practice expense RVU (both facility and non-facility), and 0.05 malpractice RVU. These values are from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A released December 23, 2024.

Who can perform and bill for CPT 76882?

CPT 76882 can be performed and billed by radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, rheumatologists, physiatrists, and other qualified physicians with documented ultrasound training and competency. Sonographers may perform the technical component under appropriate supervision, with a physician providing the professional interpretation. The facility must maintain image storage capabilities and provide formal written reports.