cpt® 2016 code changesegg, scoliosis evaluation); one view; 72082 for 2 or 3 views; 72083 for 4 to...

77771 Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy,includes basic dosimetry, when performed; 2-12 channels

77772 Remote afterloading high dose rate radionuclide interstitial or intracavitary brachytherapy,includes basic dosimetry, when performed; over 12 channels

78265 Gastric emptying imaging study (eg, solid, liquid, or both); with small bowel transit

78266 Gastric emptying imaging study (eg, solid, liquid, or both); with small bowel and colon transit,multiple days

2015 2016

Code Descriptor Change CrosswalkCode

Descriptor Advice

70373 Laryngography,contrast,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (70373 hasbeen deleted.For contrastlaryngography,use 76499)

The 2016 code set deleted 70373 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of acontrast laryngography, or aradiographic contrast study of thelarynx, also called the voice box. At thistime, CPT® does not provide anindication as to the reason for deletionof this code but it may be that the codeis not being utilized. CPT® also doesnot provide a crosswalk for this codebut check with individual payers fortheir policies on codes to report for thisservice. Refer to the CPT® manual forfurther direction as you may be able toreport this service or procedure usingan unlisted code. Remember to sendsupporting documentation to payerswith any claim containing an unlistedcode. Keep in mind that CPT® doesnot recommend the use of unlistedprocedures on a regular basis.

http://coder.aapc.com/code_lookup/deleted_cpt_codes/70373#70373

72010 Radiologicexamination,spine, entire,survey study,anteroposteriorand lateral

Deleted (72010 hasbeen deleted.To report, use72082)

The 2016 code set deleted 72010 for aradiologic exam of the entire spine.CPT® deleted this code along with72069-Radiologic examination, spine,thoracolumbar, standing (scoliosis),and 72090-Radiologic examination,spine; scoliosis study, including supineand erect studies.

CPT® then added new codes 72081-Radiologic examination, spine, entirethoracic and lumbar, including skull,cervical and sacral spine if performed(egg, scoliosis evaluation); one view;72082 for 2 or 3 views; 72083 for 4 to5 views; and 72084 for a minimum of 6views. This change was made tostandardize the hierarchy andlanguage for this family of codes, andalign the range with other spinal codefamilies.

To report this code, CPT® advises touse new code 72082-Radiologicexamination, spine, entire thoracic andlumbar, including skull, cervical andsacral spine if performed (egg,scoliosis evaluation); 2 or 3 views.

72069 Radiologicexamination,spine,thoracolumbar,standing(scoliosis)

Deleted (72069 hasbeen deleted.To report, see72081, 72082,72083, 72084)

The 2016 code set deleted 72069 for astanding thoracolumbar spineradiologic exam. CPT® deleted thiscode along with 72010-Radiologicexamination, spine, entire, surveystudy, anteroposterior and lateral, and72090-Radiologic examination, spine;scoliosis study, including supine anderect studies.

CPT® then added codes 72081-Radiologic examination, spine, entirethoracic and lumbar, including skull,cervical and sacral spine if performed(egg, scoliosis evaluation); one view;72082 for 2 or 3 views; 72083 for 4 to5 views; and 72084 for a minimum of 6views. This change was made tostandardize the hierarchy andlanguage for this family of codes, andalign the range with other spinal codefamilies. To report this code, CPT®advises to select an appropriatenumber of views from the new coderange 72081-72084.



72080 Radiologicexamination,spine;thoracolumbar, 2views

Revised -- thoracolumbarjunction,minimum of 2views

CPT® 2016 changes the wording ofthe official descriptor for 72080 toinclude the word "junction" afterthoracolumbar, which means that theimaging focuses on the area where thethoracic spine and lumbar spine meetrather than imaging the entire upper,middle, and lower back.

72090 Radiologicexamination,spine; scoliosisstudy, includingsupine and erectstudies

Deleted (72090 hasbeen deleted.To report, see72081, 72082,72083, 72084)

The 2016 code set deleted 72090 for ascoliosis radiologic exam. CPT®deleted this code along with 72010-Radiologic examination, spine, entire,survey study, anteroposterior andlateral, and 72069-Radiologicexamination, spine, thoracolumbar,standing (scoliosis).

CPT® then added codes 72081-Radiologic examination, spine, entirethoracic and lumbar, including skull,cervical and sacral spine if performed(egg, scoliosis evaluation); one view;72082 for 2 or 3 views; 72083 for 4 to5 views; and 72084 for a minimum of 6views. This change was made tostandardize the hierarchy andlanguage for this family of codes, andalign the range with other spinal codefamilies.

To report this code, CPT® advises toselect an appropriate number of viewsfrom the new code range 72081-72084.

http://coder.aapc.com/cpt-codes/72080


73500 Radiologicexamination, hip,unilateral; 1 view


The 2016 code set deleted 73500 for asingle view of one hip. CPT® deletedthis code along with 73510- Radiologicexamination, hip, unilateral; complete,minimum of 2 views; 73520 forbilateral hip imaging, 2 views of eachhip; 73530 for hip imaging duringoperative procedures; and 73540-Radiologic examination, pelvis andhips, infant or child, minimum of 2views.

CPT® then added two new ranges ofcodes to report bundled hip and pelvicradiologic exams; 73501 to 73503 forunilateral imaging; and 73521 to73523 for bilateral imaging. Note thatthe existing one or two-view pelvisexam codes remain for imaging of thepelvis alone.

To report this code, CPT® advises touse 73501-Radiologic examination,hip, unilateral, with pelvis whenperformed; 1 view.

73510 Radiologicexamination, hip,unilateral;complete,minimum of 2views

Deleted (73510 hasbeen deleted.To report, see73502, 73503)

The 2016 code set deleted 73510 for acomplete radiologic exam of a singlehip. CPT® deleted this code along with73500- Radiologic examination, hip,unilateral; 1 view; 73520 for bilateralhip imaging, 2 views of each hip;73530 hip imaging during operativeprocedures; and 73540-Radiologicexamination, pelvis and hips, infant orchild, minimum of 2 views.


To report this code, CPT® advises toselect one of the new unilateral codesdepending upon the number of viewsperformed using either 73502-Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral,with pelvis when performed; 2-3 views,or 73503 for a minimum of 4 views.



73520 Radiologicexamination,hips, bilateral,minimum of 2views of eachhip, includinganteroposteriorview of pelvis

Deleted (73520 hasbeen deleted.To report, see73521, 73522,73523)

The 2016 code set deleted 73520 forthe radiologic exam of both hips with aminimum of two views of each hip.CPT® deleted this code along with73500- Radiologic examination, hip,unilateral; 1 view; 73510 for aminimum of 2 views to the unilateralhip; 73530 hip imaging duringoperative procedures; and 73540-Radiologic examination, pelvis andhips, infant or child, minimum of 2views.


To report this code, CPT® advises toselect one of the new bilateral codesdepending upon the number of viewsperformed using either 73521-Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral,with pelvis when performed; 2 views,73522 for a 3-4 views, or 73523 for aminimum of 5 views.

73530 Radiologicexamination, hip,during operativeprocedure

Deleted (73530, 73540have beendeleted. Toreport, see73501, 73502,73503)

The 2016 code set deleted 73530 foran intraoperative radiologic exam of ahip. CPT® deleted this code along with73500-Radiologic examination, hip,unilateral; 1 view; 73510 for aminimum of 2 views; 73520 forbilateral hip imaging, 2 views of eachhip; and 73540-Radiologicexamination, pelvis and hips, infant orchild, minimum of 2 views.


To report this code, CPT® advises toselect one of the new unilateral codesdepending upon the number of viewsperformed using either 73501-Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral,with pelvis when performed; 1 view;73502 for 2-3 views, or 73503 for aminimum of 4 views.



73540 Radiologicexamination,pelvis and hips,infant or child,minimum of 2views

Deleted (73530, 73540have beendeleted. Toreport, see73501, 73502,73503)

The 2016 code set deleted 73540 for aradiologic exam of the pelvis and hipsof an infant or child. CPT® deleted thiscode along with 73500-Radiologicexamination, hip, unilateral; 1 view;73510 for a minimum of 2 views;73520 for bilateral hip imaging, 2views of each hip; and 73530-Radiologic examination, hip, duringoperative procedure.


To report this code, CPT® advises toselect one of the new unilateral codesdepending upon the number of viewsperformed using either 73501-Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral,with pelvis when performed; 1 view;73502 for 2-3 views, or 73503 for aminimum of 4 views.

73550 Radiologicexamination,femur, 2 views

Deleted (73550 hasbeen deleted.To report, see73551, 73552)

The 2016 code set deleted 73550 for atwo view radiologic exam of the femur.CPT® then added 73551-Radiologicexamination, femur; 1 view, and 73552for a minimum of 2 views of a femur.This change was made to standardizethe hierarchy and nomenclature forthis service and to align the range withother code families.

To report this code, CPT® advises toselect one of the new codes, 73551 or73552, depending upon the number ofviews performed.

74240 Radiologicexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper; withor withoutdelayed films,without KUB

Revised -- Radiologicexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper;with or withoutdelayedfilmsimages,without KUB

CPT® 2016 changes the word "films"in the official descriptor to "images" for74240 because most radiologicalimaging is now digital.




74241 Radiologicexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper; withor withoutdelayed films,with KUB

Revised -- with or withoutdelayedfilmsimages,with KUB


74245 Radiologicexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper; withsmall intestine,includes multipleserial films

Revised -- with smallintestine,includesmultiple serialfilmsimages


74246 Radiologicalexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper, aircontrast, withspecific highdensity barium,effervescentagent, with orwithout glucagon;with or withoutdelayed films,without KUB

Revised -- Radiologicalexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper, aircontrast, withspecific highdensity barium,effervescentagent, with orwithoutglucagon; withor withoutdelayedfilmsimages,without KUB


74247 Radiologicalexamination,gastrointestinaltract, upper, aircontrast, withspecific highdensity barium,effervescentagent, with orwithout glucagon;with or withoutdelayed films,with KUB

Revised -- with or withoutdelayedfilmsimages,with KUB

CPT® 2016 changes the word "films"in the official descripto to "images" for74247 because most radiologicalimaging is now digital.

74250 Radiologicexamination,small intestine,includes multipleserial films

Revised -- Radiologicexamination,small intestine,includesmultiple serialfilmsimages







74251 Radiologicexamination,small intestine,includes multipleserial films; viaenteroclysis tube

Revised -- via enteroclysistube


74305 Cholangiographyand/orpancreatography;through existingcatheter,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation


The 2016 code set deleted 74305 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, of acholangiography or pancreatographydone through an existing catheter.CPT® deleted this code along withother radiology SI codes, forpercutaneous biliary procedures. Thecorresponding percutaneous biliaryprocedures were also deleted, such as47505-Injection procedure forcholangiography through an existingcatheter (egg, percutaneoustranshepatic or T-tube), reportable withthis code.

CPT® then added bundled servicesthat describe percutaneous biliaryprocedures including the radiologicimaging in a new range 47531 to47541. To report this service, CPT®advises to select an appropriate codefrom this new range that includes thediagnostic cholangiography whenperformed, imaging guidance, and allassociated radiological supervisionand interpretation.

In 2016, CPT® 47531 represents theinjection procedure for a completediagnostic percutaneouscholangiography, including imagingguidance such as ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy and all the associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; done through an existingaccess. Code 47532 is for a newaccess such as a percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiogram. Code47533 is for the percutaneousplacement of an external biliarydrainage catheter, and 47534 is for aninternal-external catheter. 47535 is forthe conversion of an external biliarydrainage catheter to an internal-external biliary drainage catheter,47536 for the exchange of a biliarydrainage catheter, and 47537 for itsremoval. 47538 is for thepercutaneous placement of a stent orstents into a bile duct through anexisting access and 47539 if through a



new access without placement ofseparate biliary drainage catheter,while 47540 is for a new accessplacement with a separate biliarydrainage catheter. Finally, 47541 is fora new access placement through thebiliary tree and into small bowel toassist with an endoscopic biliaryprocedure.

74320 Cholangiography,percutaneous,transhepatic,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation


The 2016 code set deleted 74320 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous transhepaticcholangiogram. CPT® deleted thiscode along with other radiology SIcodes, for percutaneous biliaryprocedures. The correspondingpercutaneous biliary procedures werealso deleted, such as 47500-Injectionprocedure for percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiography,reportable with this code.


In 2016, CPT® 47531 represents theinjection procedure for a completediagnostic percutaneouscholangiography, including imagingguidance such as ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy and all the associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; done through an existingaccess. Code 47532 is for a newaccess such as a percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiogram. Code47533 is for the percutaneousplacement of an external biliarydrainage catheter, and 47534 is for aninternal-external catheter. 47535 is forthe conversion of an external biliarydrainage catheter to an internal-external biliary drainage catheter,47536 for the exchange of a biliarydrainage catheter, and 47537 for itsremoval. 47538 is for thepercutaneous placement of a stent orstents into a bile duct through an


existing access and 47539 if through anew access without placement ofseparate biliary drainage catheter,while 47540 is for a new accessplacement with a separate biliarydrainage catheter. Finally, 47541 is fora new access placement through thebiliary tree and into small bowel toassist with an endoscopic biliaryprocedure.

74327 Postoperativebiliary ductcalculus removal,percutaneous viaT-tube tract,basket, or snare(eg, Burhennetechnique),radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (74327 hasbeen deleted.Forpercutaneousbiliary stoneextraction, use47544)

The 2016 code set deleted 74327 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous biliary duct calculusremoved postoperatively through a T-tube tract, basket or snare. CPT®deleted this code along with otherradiology SI codes, for percutaneousbiliary procedures. The corresponding,percutaneous biliary procedures werealso deleted, such as 47630-Biliaryduct stone extraction, percutaneousvia T-tube tract, basket, or snare (egg,Burhenne technique), reportable withthis code.


In 2016, CPT® 47531 represents theinjection procedure for a completediagnostic percutaneouscholangiography, including imagingguidance such as ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy and all the associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; done through an existingaccess. Code 47532 is for a newaccess such as a percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiogram. Code47533 is for the percutaneousplacement of an external biliarydrainage catheter, and 47534 is for aninternal-external catheter. 47535 is forthe conversion of an external biliarydrainage catheter to an internal-external biliary drainage catheter,47536 for the exchange of a biliarydrainage catheter, and 47537 for itsremoval. 47538 is for the


percutaneous placement of a stent orstents into a bile duct through anexisting access and 47539 if through anew access without placement ofseparate biliary drainage catheter,while 47540 is for a new accessplacement with a separate biliarydrainage catheter. Finally, 47541 is fora new access placement through thebiliary tree and into small bowel toassist with an endoscopic biliaryprocedure.

74340 Introduction oflonggastrointestinaltube (eg, Miller-Abbott), includingmultiplefluoroscopies andfilms, radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Revised -- Introduction oflonggastrointestinaltube (eg,Miller-Abbott),includingmultiplefluoroscopiesandfilmsimages,radiologicalsupervisionandinterpretation


74475 Introduction ofintracatheter orcatheter intorenal pelvis fordrainage and/orinjection,percutaneous,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (74475, 74480have beendeleted. Toreport, see50432, 50433,50434, 50435,50606, 50693,50694, 50695)

The 2016 code set deleted 74475 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous intracatheter or catheterintroduction into the renal pelvis fordrainage or an injection procedure.CPT® deleted this code along withother radiology SI codes, forgenitourinary catheter procedures. Thecorresponding genitourinary catheterprocedures were also deleted, such as50392-Introduction of intracatheter orcatheter into renal pelvis for drainageand/or injection, percutaneous;reportable with this code. CPT® thenadded the bundled services thatdescribe these genitourinary catheterprocedures including the radiologicimaging into two new ranges 50430 to50435, and 50693 to 50695.

To report this service, select anappropriate code from these newranges to report these bundledservices including a diagnosticnephrostogram and/or ureterogramwhen performed, imaging guidance,and all associated radiologicalsupervision and interpretation. Notethat CPT® specifically advises to useone of the following codes: 50432-



Placement of nephrostomy catheter,percutaneous, including diagnosticnephrostogram and/or ureterogramwhen performed, imaging guidance(egg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy)and all associated radiologicalsupervision and interpretation; 50433for a new access; 50434 forconversion of a nephrostomy catheterto nephroureteral catheter; and 50435for a nephrostomy catheter exchange.CPT® also refers to 50606-Endoluminal biopsy of ureter and/orrenal pelvis, non-endoscopic, includingimaging guidance (egg, ultrasoundand/or fluoroscopy) and all associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation (List separately inaddition to code for primaryprocedure); 50693 for placement of aureteral stent through a pre-existingnephrostomy tract; 50694 for a newaccess, ureteral stent placementwithout separate nephrostomycatheter; or 50695 for a new access,with separate nephrostomy catheter.

Other codes in the range include50430 for an injection procedure for acomplete diagnostic antegradenephrostogram and/or ureterogram,including imaging guidance such asultrasound and fluoroscopy, and all theassociated radiological supervisionand interpretation, or SI, done througha new access, and 50431 for the sameprocedure when done through anexisting access.

74480 Introduction ofureteral catheteror stent intoureter throughrenal pelvis fordrainage and/orinjection,percutaneous,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (74475, 74480have beendeleted. Toreport, see50432, 50433,50434, 50435,50606, 50693,50694, 50695)

The 2016 code set deleted 74480 forthe radiologic supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous introduction of a ureteralcatheter or stent into the ureter throughthe renal pelvis for drainage orinjection procedure. CPT® deleted thiscode along with other radiology SIcodes, for genitourinary catheterprocedures. The correspondinggenitourinary catheter procedureswere also deleted, such as 50393-Introduction of ureteral catheter orstent into ureter through renal pelvisfor drainage and/or injection,percutaneous; reportable with thiscode.

CPT® then added the bundledservices that describe these


genitourinary catheter proceduresincluding the radiologic imaging intotwo new ranges 50430 to 50435, and50693 to 50695.

To report this service, select anappropriate code from these newranges that include a diagnosticnephrostogram and/or ureterogramwhen performed, imaging guidance,and all associated radiologicalsupervision and interpretation. Notethat CPT® specifically advises to useone of the following codes: 50432represents the percutaneousplacement of nephrostomy catheter,including diagnostic nephrostogramand/or ureterogram when performed,imaging guidance (egg, ultrasoundand/or fluoroscopy) and all associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; 50433 is for a newaccess; 50434 for conversion of anephrostomy catheter tonephroureteral catheter; and 50435 fora nephrostomy catheter exchange;also 50606- Endoluminal biopsy ofureter and/or renal pelvis, non-endoscopic, including imagingguidance (egg, ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy) and all associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation (List separately inaddition to code for primaryprocedure); 50693 for placement of aureteral stent through a pre-existingnephrostomy tract; 50694 for a newaccess, ureteral stent placementwithout separate nephrostomycatheter; or 50695 for a new access,with separate nephrostomy catheter.CPT also refers you to 47531 and47532 for Injection procedure forcholangiography; 47533 and 47534 forplacement of a biliary drainagecatheter; 47535 for conversion of anexternal biliary drainage catheter to aninternal-external biliary drainagecatheter; 47536 for the biliary drainagecath exchange or 47537 for itsremoval.

Other codes in the range include50430 for an injection procedure for acomplete diagnostic antegradenephrostogram and/or ureterogram,including imaging guidance such asultrasound and fluoroscopy, and all theassociated radiological supervisionand interpretation, or SI, done through

a new access, and 50431 for the sameprocedure when done through anexisting access.

75896 Transcathetertherapy, infusion,other than forthrombolysis,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (75896 hasbeen deleted.For radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation forthrombolysisother thancoronary, see37211, 37212,37213, 37214.For radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation forintracranialarterialadministration ofpharmacologicalagent(s) otherthan forthrombolysis,see 61650,61651)

The 2016 code set deleted 75896 forthe radiological supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of any typeof transcatheter infusion therapy donefor other than thrombolysis. Thecorresponding procedure reportablewith this code was also deleted,37202- Transcatheter therapy, infusionother than for thrombolysis, any type(egg, spasmolytic, vasoconstrictive).

At this time, CPT® does not provide anindication as to the reason for deletionof this code although it appears tiedinto the bundling of transcathetertherapy for thrombolysis. CPT® alsodoes not provide a crosswalk for thiscode but check with the individualpayers for their policies on codes toreport for this service. Refer to theCPT® manual also for further directionas you may be able to report thisservice or procedure using an unlistedcode. Remember to send supportingdocumentation to payers with anyclaim containing an unlisted code.Keep in mind that CPT® does notrecommend the use of unlistedprocedures on a regular basis.


75945 Intravascularultrasound (non-coronary vessel),radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation;initial vessel

Deleted (75945, 75946have beendeleted. Toreportnoncoronaryintravascularultrasoundduringdiagnosticevaluationand/ortherapeuticintervention, see37252, 37253)

The 2016 code set deleted 75945 forthe radiologic supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of theintravascular ultrasound on an initialnoncoronary vessel. CPT® deletedthis code along with the code foradditional noncoronary vessels,75946. CPT® also deleted thecorresponding add-on procedurecodes 37250-Intravascular ultrasound(noncoronary vessel) during diagnosticevaluation and/or therapeuticintervention; initial vessel (Listseparately in addition to code forprimary procedure) and 37251, foreach additional vessel.

To report this service, see new code37252, Intravascular ultrasound(noncoronary vessel) during diagnosticevaluation and/or therapeuticintervention, including radiologicalsupervision and interpretation; initialnoncoronary vessel (List separately inaddition to code for primaryprocedure). CPT® added 37252 alongwith 37253, for each additionalnoncoronary vessel to report bundledimaging services for diagnosticnoncoronary IVUS.


75946 Intravascularultrasound (non-coronary vessel),radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation;each additionalnon-coronaryvessel (Listseparately inaddition to codefor primaryprocedure)

Deleted (75945, 75946have beendeleted. Toreportnoncoronaryintravascularultrasoundduringdiagnosticevaluationand/ortherapeuticintervention, see37252, 37253)

The 2016 code set deleted 75946 forthe radiologic supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of theintravascular ultrasound for additionalvessels. CPT® deleted this code alongwith the code for the initial vessel,75945. CPT® also deleted thecorresponding add-on procedurecodes 37250-Intravascular ultrasound(noncoronary vessel) during diagnosticevaluation and/or therapeuticintervention; initial vessel (Listseparately in addition to code forprimary procedure) and 37251, foreach additional vessel.

To report this service, see new code37253-Intravascular ultrasound(noncoronary vessel) during diagnosticevaluation and/or therapeuticintervention, including radiologicalsupervision and interpretation; eachadditional noncoronary vessel (Listseparately in addition to code forprimary procedure). CPT® added37253 along with 37252 for the initialnoncoronary vessel to report bundledimaging services for diagnosticnoncoronary IVUS.

75980 Percutaneoustranshepaticbiliary drainagewith contrastmonitoring,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (75980 hasbeen deleted.To report, see47533, 47534,47535, 47536,47537)

The 2016 code set deleted 75980 forthe radiologic supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous transhepatic biliarydrainage done with contrast. CPT®deleted this code along with otherradiology SI codes, for percutaneousbiliary procedures. The correspondingpercutaneous biliary procedures, suchas 47510-Introduction of percutaneoustranshepatic catheter for biliarydrainage, reportable with this code,were also deleted.

CPT® then added bundled servicesthat describe the percutaneous biliaryprocedures including the radiologicimaging in a new range 47531 to47541. To report this service, CPT®advises to select an appropriate codefrom this new range that includes thediagnostic cholangiography whenperformed, imaging guidance, and allassociated radiological supervisionand interpretation.

In 2016, CPT® 47531 represents theinjection procedure for a completediagnostic percutaneous



cholangiography, including imagingguidance such as ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy and all the associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; done through an existingaccess. Code 47532 is for a newaccess such as a percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiogram. Code47533 is for the percutaneousplacement of an external biliarydrainage catheter, and 47534 is for aninternal-external catheter. 47535 is forthe conversion of an external biliarydrainage catheter to an internal-external biliary drainage catheter,47536 for the exchange of a biliarydrainage catheter, and 47537 for itsremoval. 47538 is for thepercutaneous placement of a stent orstents into a bile duct through anexisting access and 47539 if through anew access without placement ofseparate biliary drainage catheter,while 47540 is for a new accessplacement with a separate biliarydrainage catheter. Finally, 47541 is fora new access placement through thebiliary tree and into small bowel toassist with an endoscopic biliaryprocedure.

75982 Percutaneousplacement ofdrainage catheterfor combinedinternal andexternal biliarydrainage or of adrainage stent forinternal biliarydrainage inpatients with aninoperablemechanicalbiliaryobstruction,radiologicalsupervision andinterpretation

Deleted (75982 hasbeen deleted.To report, see47533, 47534,47535, 47536,47537, 47538,47539, 47540)

The 2016 code set deleted 75982 forthe radiologic supervision andinterpretation, or SI, portion of apercutaneous placement of drainagecatheter for combined internal andexternal biliary drainage or of adrainage stent for internal biliarydrainage in patients with an inoperablemechanical biliary obstruction. CPT®deleted this code along with otherradiology SI codes, for percutaneousbiliary procedures. The correspondingpercutaneous biliary procedures, suchas 47511-Introduction of percutaneoustranshepatic stent for internal andexternal biliary drainage, reportablewith this code, were also deleted.

CPT® then added bundled servicesthat describe the percutaneous biliaryprocedures including the radiologicimaging in a new range 47531 to47541. To report this service, CPT®advises to select an appropriate codefrom this new range that includes thediagnostic cholangiography whenperformed, imaging guidance, and allassociated radiological supervisionand interpretation.


In 2016, CPT® 47531 represents theinjection procedure for a completediagnostic percutaneouscholangiography, including imagingguidance such as ultrasound and/orfluoroscopy and all the associatedradiological supervision andinterpretation; done through an existingaccess. Code 47532 is for a newaccess such as a percutaneoustranshepatic cholangiogram. Code47533 is for the percutaneousplacement of an external biliarydrainage catheter, and 47534 is for aninternal-external catheter. 47535 is forthe conversion of an external biliarydrainage catheter to an internal-external biliary drainage catheter,47536 for the exchange of a biliarydrainage catheter, and 47537 for itsremoval. 47538 is for thepercutaneous placement of a stent orstents into a bile duct through anexisting access and 47539 if through anew access without placement ofseparate biliary drainage catheter,while 47540 is for a new accessplacement with a separate biliarydrainage catheter. Finally, 47541 is fora new access placement through thebiliary tree and into small bowel toassist with an endoscopic biliaryprocedure.

77057 Screeningmammography,bilateral (2-viewfilm study of eachbreast)

Revised -- Screeningmammography,bilateral (2-view film studyof each breast)

CPT® 2016 removes the word "film" inthe official descriptor for 77057because most radiological imaging isnow digital.

77417 Therapeuticradiology portfilm(s)

Revised -- Therapeuticradiology portfilmimage(s)




77776 Interstitialradiation sourceapplication;simple

Deleted (77776, 77777have beendeleted. Toreport, use77799)

The 2016 code set deleted 77776 for asimple interstitial radiation sourceapplication. CPT® deleted this codealong with 77777 for an intermediateinterstitial radiation source application.

CPT® then revised the description forthe complex level application code77778 to read: Interstitial radiationsource application, complex, includessupervision, handling, loading ofradiation source, when performed.These changes are being done tocompress this family of codes into thisone code, 77778, which includes thework of the supervision and handling ofthe sources.

To report a simple level of service,CPT® advises using 77799-Unlistedprocedure, clinical brachytherapy.Remember to send supportingdocumentation to payers with anyclaim containing an unlisted code.Also, keep in mind that CPT® does notrecommend the use of unlistedprocedures on a regular basis.

77777 Interstitialradiation sourceapplication;intermediate

Deleted (77776, 77777have beendeleted. Toreport, use77799)

The 2016 code set deleted 77777 foran intermediate interstitial radiationsource application. CPT® deleted thiscode along with 77776 for a simpleinterstitial radiation source application.

CPT® then revised the description forthe complex level application code77778 to read: Interstitial radiationsource application, complex, includessupervision, handling, loading ofradiation source, when performed.These changes are being done tocompress this family of codes into theone code, 77778, which includes thework of supervision and handling of thesources.

To report an intermediate level ofservice, CPT® advises using 77799-Unlisted procedure, clinicalbrachytherapy. Remember to sendsupporting documentation to payerswith any claim containing an unlistedcode. Also, keep in mind that CPT®does not recommend the use ofunlisted procedures on a regular basis.



77778 Interstitialradiation sourceapplication;complex

Revised -- Interstitialradiationsourceapplication,complex,includessupervision,handling,loading ofradiationsource, whenperformed;complex

The 2016 CPT® code set expands theOfficial Descriptor for 77778 to include"supervision, handling, loading ofradiation source, when performed."Because it was found that most of thetime the code was being reported with77790, Supervision, handling, loadingof radiation source, it made sense tobundle or incorporate theseprocedures into 77778.

77785 Remoteafterloading highdose rateradionuclidebrachytherapy; 1channel

Deleted (77785, 77786,77787 havebeen deleted.To report, see77770, 77771,77772)

The 2016 code set deleted code77785 for a single channel remoteafterloading of high dose rate, or HDR,radionuclide brachytherapy. CPT®deleted this code along with 77786 for2-12 channels, and 77787 for over 12channels.

CPT® replaced these codes with77770- Remote afterloading high doserate radionuclide interstitial orintracavitary brachytherapy, includesbasic dosimetry, when performed; 1channel; 77771 for 2 to 12 channels;and 77772 for over 12 channels. Thiswas done to comply with updatedguidelines for reporting HDRradionuclide brachytherapy for treatingtumors other than those of the skin.Note that the new codes include thework associated with the basicdosimetry calculation when performed.

(For treating tumors of the skin seenew codes 77767- Remoteafterloading high dose rateradionuclide skin surfacebrachytherapy, includes basicdosimetry, when performed; lesiondiameter up to 2.0 cm or 1 channel;and 77768 for 2 or more channels, ormultiple lesions.)



77786 Remoteafterloading highdose rateradionuclidebrachytherapy; 2-12 channels


The 2016 code set deleted code77786 for a two to twelve channelremote afterloading of high dose rate,or HDR, radionuclide brachytherapy.CPT® deleted this code along with77785 for a single channel, and 77787for over 12 channels.




77787 Remoteafterloading highdose rateradionuclidebrachytherapy;over 12 channels


The 2016 code set deleted code77787 for over 12 channel remoteafterloading of high dose rate, or HDR,radionuclide brachytherapy. CPT®deleted this code along with 77785 fora single channel, and 77786 for 2-12channels.



77789 Surfaceapplication ofradiation source

Revised -- Surfaceapplication ofradiationlowdose rateradionuclidesource

CPT® 2016 changes the wording ofthe official descriptor for code 77789from "Surface application of radiationsource" to "Surface application of lowdose rate radionuclide source." Withthe addition of several new codes forhigh-dose-rate brachytherapy, it wasnecessary to make the distinction thatthis code is for low-dose-rateapplication.

78264 Gastric emptyingstudy

Revised -- Gastricemptyingimaging study(eg, solid,liquid, or both)

CPT® 2016 changes the wording ofthe official descriptor for 78264 toinclude "(eg, solid, liquid, or both)."CPT® does not provide an indicationas to the reason for this change inwording. New codes 78265 and 78266are for the same study with theinclusion of the small bowel and colonrespectively.




cpt® 2016 code changesegg, scoliosis evaluation); one view; 72082 for 2 or 3 views; 72083 for 4 to...

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