Coding for bedside ultrasound for suspected pulmonary edema

Q.

My doctor is using bedside ultrasound to look at the lungs for pulmonary edema. Is CPT code 76604 correct for this ultrasound of the lungs?

A.

Yes, that is the appropriate code, assuming that permanent imaging is maintained, and an interpretation is dictated. The code and full description are:

76604   Ultrasound, chest (includes mediastinum), real time with image documentation