Ultrasound of pregnant uterus for fetal and maternal evaluation

Q.

When performing a US OB procedure and they are assigning CPT^® code 76805, if they state “The rest of the anatomy cannot be seen due to fetal position,” would we count this as complete or limited exam?

The code and full description are as follows:

76805   Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation, after first trimester (> or = 14 weeks 0 days), transabdominal approach; single or first gestation

A.

You could code as a complete procedure if the required elements were looked for, but you will first have to verify what was ordered? Was this done just to check the position (to see if breech?) Additionally, if they already had a complete exam, only one (complete exam) is allowed. After that, it is considered to be a follow-up or limited study.