CPT 76984Radiology

Dx intraop thoracic aorta us

CPT code 76984 covers diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the thoracic aorta performed during an open surgical procedure. This is real-time imaging used by surgeons to assess the aorta while the chest is open during operations like heart or aortic surgery.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$30.08

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

0.6

PE RVU (NF)

0.21

MP RVU

0.12

Total RVU

0.93

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific clinical indication for intraoperative ultrasound and how findings influenced surgical decision-making
Impact: Prevents medical necessity denials which account for 35-40% of initial claim rejections for this code
Ensure the operative report clearly separates the ultrasound examination from the primary surgical procedure with distinct start/stop times and findings
Impact: Reduces bundling denials and supports appropriate reimbursement of the full $30.08 Medicare rate
Bill on the same date of service as the primary surgical procedure but verify the primary procedure CPT code does not already include intraoperative imaging
Impact: Prevents rejection due to global surgical package inclusion; can save $30.08 per claim
Maintain separate documentation including stored images or video clips from the intraoperative ultrasound with formal interpretation
Impact: Critical for audit defense; facilities without image documentation face 60-70% audit recoupment rates
Verify whether you are billing facility or non-facility rate; both are $30.08 for 2025 but documentation requirements may differ by setting
Impact: Ensures correct claim submission and prevents payment adjustments or recoupments
Check NCCI edits before billing 76984 with other cardiovascular imaging codes to identify bundling issues and appropriate modifier use
Impact: Modifier 59 usage can recover otherwise bundled payments worth $30.08 per procedure

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Frequently asked questions

What is CPT code 76984 used for?

CPT code 76984 is used for diagnostic intraoperative ultrasound examination of the thoracic aorta performed during open chest surgery. This real-time imaging helps surgeons assess the aorta, identify pathology, guide surgical decisions, and verify the quality of repairs during cardiovascular or thoracic procedures.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 76984 in 2025?

Medicare pays $30.08 for CPT 76984 in 2025 under the national average physician fee schedule. This rate applies to both facility and non-facility settings. The code has a total RVU value of 0.93 (0.6 work RVU, 0.21 practice expense RVU, 0.12 malpractice RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 76984 be billed with other cardiovascular imaging codes?

CPT 76984 can potentially be billed with other imaging codes if the services are distinct and separately reportable. However, you must check NCCI edits for bundling restrictions. When billing multiple imaging codes together, modifier 59 may be required to indicate distinct procedural services, and documentation must clearly justify medical necessity for each separate imaging study.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 76984?

Documentation must include the clinical indication for the ultrasound, specific anatomical structures examined, detailed findings and measurements, timing relative to the surgical procedure, how findings influenced surgical decisions, and a formal interpretation. Stored images or video clips should be maintained. The ultrasound examination must be clearly documented as separate from the primary surgical procedure.

Who can bill CPT 76984?

CPT 76984 is typically billed by cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, or cardiovascular medicine physicians performing or supervising the intraoperative ultrasound. The interpreting physician must have expertise in both cardiovascular ultrasound and surgical anatomy. Both the surgeon performing the ultrasound and a separate interpreting physician may bill components using modifiers 26 and TC.

Is CPT 76984 bundled into the surgical procedure code?

CPT 76984 is generally separately reportable and not bundled into most cardiac or aortic surgical procedures. However, you must verify NCCI edits for the specific primary procedure being performed. Some payers may consider it included in the surgical global package, requiring modifier 59 and strong documentation showing it was a distinct diagnostic service beyond routine surgical visualization.

What is the difference between CPT 76984 and other intraoperative ultrasound codes?

CPT 76984 is specific to intraoperative ultrasound of the thoracic aorta during open surgery. Other intraoperative ultrasound codes cover different anatomical areas: 76998 (general intraoperative ultrasound), 76981 (abdominal aorta), and various organ-specific codes. The anatomical specificity and surgical context determine the correct code selection, and documentation must support the exact area examined.