Summary & Overview
CPT 75822: Bilateral Extremity Venography, Supervision and Interpretation
CPT code 75822 represents physician supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper or lower extremity venography, an invasive diagnostic X-ray procedure performed after injection of contrast dye to visualize venous structures and identify blood clots. This code is relevant nationally for vascular medicine, interventional radiology, and hospital imaging services because venography remains a definitive test when noninvasive studies are inconclusive or when precise clot localization is required for intervention. Key payers in typical analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for venography, how CPT code 75822 is used in practice, and what to expect in terms of service settings and clinical indications. The publication covers commonly observed payer coverage patterns and benchmark themes, relevant billing considerations, and recent policy or coding guidance that may affect documentation and claim adjudication. Content is intended to support administrators, coding professionals, and clinicians seeking a national perspective on the application and administrative handling of CPT code 75822.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 75822 describes provider supervision and interpretation of bilateral upper or lower extremity venography. This invasive diagnostic imaging procedure involves injection of contrast dye into the veins and obtaining X-ray images to visualize venous anatomy and identify the location and degree of venous thrombosis.
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Service type: Diagnostic invasive venography with supervision and interpretation
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology departments, outpatient imaging centers, or interventional radiology suites
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62‑year‑old female presents to the vascular lab with unilateral calf swelling, pain, and recent onset dyspnea. Clinical evaluation and duplex ultrasound are inconclusive for deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. The ordering clinician requests diagnostic venography to evaluate for central or iliac vein thrombus and to define extent of occlusion prior to possible endovascular therapy. The patient is escorted to the interventional radiology suite where informed consent is confirmed. Intravenous access is obtained, and iodinated contrast is injected through an accessed peripheral vein or catheter placed in the foot or ankle. Real‑time fluoroscopic imaging is performed bilaterally under the supervision of the interpreting physician to visualize venous anatomy and identify filling defects consistent with thrombus, stenosis, or absence of flow. The supervising physician documents procedure indications, technique, contrast volume, findings (location and degree of clot), complications, and interpretation. Post‑procedure monitoring is completed in recovery and results communicated to the referring provider to guide anticoagulation or interventional management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation/supervision separate from the technical component. |