Coding for duplex scan of the carotids/vertebrals and grayscale imaging of the thyroid

Q.

CPT^® codes 93880 and 76536 were performed on the same date of service, but the payer only reimbursed code 76536 because there was no appropriate modifier. Would the appropriate modifier be -59 or since both thyroid and carotids are in the same area of the body; is that not appropriate?

A.

If you performed a duplex scan of the carotids/vertebrals (93880 or 93882), and also performed grayscale imaging of the thyroid (76536) then you can report both. Per current CCI edits, CPT code 93880 would require modifier -59 when submitting with CPT code 76536. If instead submitting CPT code 93882 with CPT 76536, no modifier is necessary. The codes and full description are as follows:

93880  Duplex scan of extracranial arteries; complete bilateral study

93882  Duplex scan of extracranial arteries; unilateral or limited study