Documenting and submitting “for comparison” venous imaging

Q.

For lower extremity venous imaging, we have a provider that has a protocol to scan the opposite femoral vein for comparison. The order is for a unilateral exam. Per this protocol, the ultrasonographer performs a complete, bilateral study. The radiologist reads this as a bilateral study. The claim is submitted as a unilateral procedure. I have a concern about this process. My feeling is we must be in possession of an order for a bilateral procedure to perform the exam or not do a complete study on the opposite leg. Please provide guidance on the correct way to proceed.

A.

When you image an area as a comparison study, it should not be billed. If it’s documented as “for comparison,” you should have no problems.