Summary & Overview
CPT 76948: Imaging Supervision and Interpretation for Ultrasound-Guided Ova Aspiration
CPT code 76948 denotes imaging supervision and interpretation for a separately reportable ultrasound-guided aspiration or evacuation of ova. This code captures the physician- or qualified practitioner-led ultrasound oversight required during egg retrieval procedures commonly performed in fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technology settings. Nationally, accurate use of this code affects clinical documentation, claim adjudication, and payment for image-guidance services adjunct to reproductive procedures.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for 76948, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers, and the payer landscape relevant to coverage and claims processing. The publication outlines common billing considerations, coding benchmarks where available, and how 76948 relates to separately reportable ultrasound-guided aspiration services. The content is designed for coding professionals, billing managers, and clinical administrators seeking a clear national overview of the code, its use in fertility and procedural settings, and the payer groups most commonly involved in reimbursement decisions. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 76948 describes imaging supervision and interpretation provided for a separately reportable ultrasound-guided aspiration or evacuation of ova (female egg cell). The service includes real-time ultrasound oversight and the interpretation of imaging performed to guide and document an invasive reproductive procedure.
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Service type: Image-guided procedure supervision and interpretation
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, fertility centers, or hospital outpatient departments where ultrasound-guided ova aspiration or evacuation is performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old woman undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization presents for transvaginal ultrasound-guided egg retrieval. The reproductive endocrinologist coordinates with an ultrasound technologist or radiologist who performs real-time imaging supervision and interpretation while a separate surgical team performs follicular aspiration and evacuation of ova under sedation. The ultrasound guidance localizes ovarian follicles, directs needle trajectory to aspirate follicular fluid, confirms needle position, and documents follicle collapse. Imaging documentation and interpretation are separately reportable from the aspiration procedure and support procedural safety by identifying adjacent structures, confirming bilateral sampling, and detecting immediate complications such as hemorrhage or free fluid.
Typical workflow:
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Patient arrives to ambulatory surgery or outpatient reproductive medicine center for monitored anesthesia care.
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Pre-procedure verification and ultrasound review of ovarian response and follicle count.
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During follicular aspiration, the imaging provider performs real-time transvaginal ultrasonography, supervising needle placement and interpreting findings.
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Post-aspiration imaging confirms adequacy of follicle drainage and absence of acute complications.
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Separate professional documentation is produced for the ultrasound supervision/interpretation (
76948) and for the aspiration/evacuation procedure (separately reported CPT).