Summary & Overview
CPT 75805: Unilateral Lymphatic Imaging of Abdomen or Pelvis
CPT code 75805 indicates physician supervision and interpretation of radiologic imaging of the lymphatic system on one side of the abdominal or pelvic area. This procedure is used in diagnostic evaluation of lymphatic anatomy and pathology when unilateral imaging is sufficient. Nationally, the code matters because it distinguishes laterality and scope of lymphatic imaging, which affects clinical documentation, coding specificity, and payment processing for radiology services.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication offers a national overview of coverage and billing considerations across major commercial carriers and Medicare, highlighting how payers treat laterality-specific lymphatic imaging codes.
Readers will learn the clinical context for use of CPT code 75805, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers (listed separately), and where to find supporting documentation to justify unilateral lymphatic imaging. The report includes benchmark perspectives and policy context relevant to payers and provider billing workflows. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 75805 describes the provider's supervision and interpretation of radiologic imaging of the lymphatic system limited to one side of the abdominal or pelvic area. This service reflects diagnostic lymphangiography focused on a unilateral abdominal or pelvic region.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiologic supervision and interpretation
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department or outpatient imaging center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 56-year-old female presents with unilateral lower abdominal and pelvic swelling and persistent pelvic pain following pelvic surgery. The referring gynecologic oncologist requests lymphangiography to evaluate suspected lymphatic obstruction on the right side. The patient is consented in the outpatient radiology suite. An interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon performs cannulation of pelvic lymphatic channels under fluoroscopic guidance, injects contrast, and obtains dynamic radiologic imaging of the lymphatic system limited to the right (one side) abdominal/pelvic region. The provider supervises contrast administration, monitors hemodynamics, interprets imaging in real time, documents findings, and provides a written report. Typical workflow includes pre-procedure imaging review, sterile preparation, targeted lymphatic cannulation, serial fluoroscopic imaging, interpretation of lymphatic anatomy and leak or obstruction, potential immediate therapeutic maneuvers if indicated, and post-procedure observation. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology or interventional suite; inpatient performance is also possible for hospitalized patients requiring diagnostic lymphangiography.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician's professional service separate from the technical facility components. |