Summary & Overview
CPT 76814: First‑Trimester Nuchal Translucency Measurement, Add‑On
CPT code 76814 denotes an add‑on diagnostic ultrasound measurement of fetal nuchal translucency for each additional fetus during the first trimester. This targeted sonographic assessment provides a quantitative measure used in prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities and certain structural anomalies. As an add‑on code, 76814 is reported in conjunction with the primary nuchal translucency or first‑trimester ultrasound performed for the initial fetus and reflects additional imaging work for multiple gestations.
Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise summary of clinical context, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with the code, and how the code functions as an add‑on in billing workflows for multiple pregnancies. The publication also outlines benchmarking elements and policy considerations that commonly affect coverage and reimbursement for first‑trimester nuchal translucency measurements.
This national summary is intended to help billing professionals, obstetric imaging providers, and policy analysts understand the purpose of CPT code 76814, its clinical role in prenatal screening for multiple gestations, and the scope of payer coverage practices and documentation expectations. Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, ICD‑10 diagnoses, specific payer policy details, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 76814 is an add‑on ultrasound procedure used to measure the fetal nuchal translucency (the clear, fluid‑filled space at the back of a developing fetus's neck) for each additional fetus during the first trimester. The measurement is performed using either transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound and is intended to assist in identifying chromosomal abnormalities or developmental defects in the fetus.
Service type: Diagnostic obstetrical ultrasound — first trimester nuchal translucency measurement, add‑on for each additional fetus
Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology/imaging suite or obstetrics clinic; may be performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department when clinically indicated.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old pregnant patient at 11 weeks gestation presents for first-trimester aneuploidy risk assessment. The obstetrician orders a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound. The sonographer performs a transabdominal ultrasound; if maternal habitus or fetal position limits visualization, a transvaginal approach may be used. The imaging captures a mid-sagittal fetal profile with clear visualization of the fetal head and neck, measures the maximal nuchal translucency thickness between 11 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days, and documents crown–rump length (CRL). Images and measurements are reviewed by the interpreting provider who reports the NT value and integrates it with maternal age and serum biomarkers when applicable. For a twin gestation, 76814 is reported as an add-on for each additional fetus beyond the primary measurement, with the primary NT measurement reported using the base NT code. Typical site of service is an outpatient obstetric ultrasound unit, maternal–fetal medicine clinic, or hospital outpatient radiology/diagnostic imaging department.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing physician interpretation separately from the technical component |
TC |