Summary & Overview
CPT 75731: Adrenal Artery Selective Angiography, Radiology Supervision and Interpretation
CPT code 75731 covers the radiological supervision and interpretation for unilateral selective catheter placement in an adrenal artery during an angiographic procedure. This code is used when a radiologist or qualified physician oversees and interprets images obtained while a catheter is selectively placed in the adrenal arterial supply, aiding diagnosis or interventional planning for adrenal or vascular conditions. Nationally, accurate use of this code affects clinical documentation, facility billing, and reimbursement for specialized vascular imaging services.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines how these payers typically handle claims for angiographic supervision and interpretation services, common modifier usage, and billing considerations relevant to imaging and interventional radiology.
Readers will find a concise clinical context for 75731, guidance on appropriate site-of-service expectations (hospital outpatient radiology, interventional radiology, ambulatory surgical center), and an overview of billing benchmarks and policy considerations that influence coding consistency and claim outcomes. The analysis highlights documentation elements that justify supervision and interpretation, typical payer coverage patterns, and areas where policy updates may affect payment for specialized angiographic procedures. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 75731 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of a unilateral selective catheter placement in the adrenal artery performed as part of an angiographic study. Angiography uses a radiopaque contrast agent to visualize blood vessels under X‑ray to diagnose or guide treatment of vascular and adrenal pathology.
Service type: Radiological supervision and interpretation for diagnostic angiography with selective adrenal arterial catheterization.
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient radiology suite, interventional radiology department, or ambulatory surgical center.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with refractory hypertension and suspected primary hyperaldosteronism is referred for adrenal artery angiography to localize an adrenal vascular lesion or to provide selective adrenal venous sampling and possible transcatheter therapy. The patient presents to the hospital radiology or interventional suite after pre-procedure evaluation including coagulation studies and cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) that suggested an adrenal adenoma or hypervascular adrenal lesion. Under fluoroscopic guidance, an interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon performs unilateral selective catheterization of the adrenal artery, injects radiopaque contrast, and acquires angiographic images while providing radiological supervision and interpretation. The procedure may be performed under conscious sedation or monitored anesthesia care depending on patient comorbidity. Post-procedure workflow includes hemostasis at the arterial access site, brief observation in a recovery area, review of images and formal interpretation, and documentation of findings and any complications. Typical site of service is an outpatient hospital radiology/interventional suite or an ambulatory surgical center when appropriate.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When reporting only the physician’s interpretation and supervision for the angiographic images separate from technical facility charge |