How To Use CPT Code 76377

CPT 76377 is a code used for 3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality with image postprocessing under concurrent supervision. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 76377 procedures.

1. What is CPT 76377?

CPT 76377 is a medical billing code used to describe a specific type of diagnostic imaging procedure that involves 3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or other tomographic modality. This procedure is performed under concurrent supervision and requires image postprocessing on an independent workstation.

2. 76377 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 76377 is: “3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality with image postprocessing under concurrent supervision; requiring image postprocessing on an independent workstation.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 76377 involves the following steps:

1. The provider performs interpretation and reporting for CT, MRI, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality under concurrent supervision.
2. Image postprocessing is performed by 3D image rendering on an independent workstation.
3. The technician takes multiple thin section images and rebuilds a three-dimensional image from them.
4. Concurrent supervision of image postprocessing, including 3D manipulation of the volumetric data set and image rendering, is required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Eligibility for CPT 76377 services depends on the following factors:

• The procedure must involve interpretation and reporting of CT, MRI, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality under concurrent supervision.
• Image postprocessing must be performed on an independent workstation.
• Concurrent supervision of image postprocessing, including 3D manipulation of the volumetric data set and image rendering, is required.

5. When to use CPT code 76377

It is appropriate to bill CPT 76377 when the provider performs interpretation and reporting for CT, MRI, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality under concurrent supervision with the added complexity of image postprocessing by 3D image rendering on an independent workstation. This code should be used in conjunction with the base imaging procedure code(s).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76377, the following information must be documented:

• The type of tomographic modality used (CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.).
• Details of the concurrent supervision during the procedure.
• Information about the independent workstation used for image postprocessing.
• Description of the 3D manipulation of the volumetric data set and image rendering performed.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76377, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Use CPT 76377 in conjunction with the base imaging procedure code(s).
• Do not report CPT 76377 in conjunction with certain other codes, as specified in the CPT codebook.
• Ensure that concurrent supervision of image postprocessing, including 3D manipulation of the volumetric data set and image rendering, is documented.

8. Historical information

CPT 76377 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. The code was changed on January 1, 2013, with the previous descriptor being “3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality; requiring image postprocessing on an independent workstation.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 76377

Five similar codes to CPT 76377 and how they differ are:

1. CPT 76376: This code is used for 3D rendering without the requirement of an independent workstation for image postprocessing.
2. CPT 70496: This code is used for CT angiography of the head with contrast material, including postprocessing.
3. CPT 70545: This code is used for MRI angiography of the neck with contrast material, including postprocessing.
4. CPT 73206: This code is used for CT angiography of the upper extremity with contrast material, including postprocessing.
5. CPT 74174: This code is used for CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material, including postprocessing.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT 76377 procedures:

1. A patient undergoes a CT scan of the brain with 3D rendering on an independent workstation for better visualization of a brain tumor.
2. An MRI of the spine is performed with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to assess spinal cord compression.
3. A patient with a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoes a CT angiography with 3D rendering on an independent workstation for accurate measurement and assessment.
4. An ultrasound of the heart is performed with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to evaluate the structure and function of the heart valves.
5. A patient with a history of liver cirrhosis undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to assess the extent of liver damage.
6. An MRI of the knee is performed with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to evaluate a complex meniscal tear.
7. A patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism undergoes a CT angiography of the chest with 3D rendering on an independent workstation for better visualization of the blood vessels in the lungs.
8. An ultrasound of the breast is performed with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to assess a suspicious breast mass.
9. A patient with a history of head trauma undergoes a CT scan of the facial bones with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to evaluate the extent of fractures.
10. An MRI of the pelvis is performed with 3D rendering on an independent workstation to assess a complex pelvic mass.