Summary & Overview
CPT 76979: Targeted Microbubble Contrast–Enhanced Ultrasound
CPT code 76979 represents an additional, targeted microbubble contrast–enhanced ultrasound examination performed after a repeat intravenous injection of lipid- or protein-coated microspheres with a gas core. The procedure is used to evaluate lesions suspicious for malignancy and to assess organ blood flow, most commonly in the liver and kidneys. As a specialized diagnostic imaging add-on, it matters nationally for oncology diagnosis, focal liver lesion characterization, and assessment of organ perfusion where contrast ultrasound is available.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for contrast-enhanced ultrasound, coding and billing considerations for CPT code 76979, and national benchmarking notes for payer coverage and utilization where available. The publication also summarizes common modifiers and typical service settings to assist revenue cycle and coding professionals in identifying when this additional targeted examination is reported.
The report provides a concise reference for clinicians, coders, and administrators seeking to understand the clinical role of contrast microbubble ultrasound, the coding label for the repeat targeted exam, and the payers most commonly involved in coverage decisions.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 76979 describes an additional targeted microbubble contrast–enhanced ultrasound examination performed after a repeat intravenous injection of contrast material composed of lipid- or protein-coated microspheres with a gas core. The service is used to assess lesions suspicious for malignancy or to evaluate organ perfusion and blood flow, commonly in organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Service Type: Diagnostic imaging — targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory imaging center, or other outpatient diagnostic facility
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with a history of chronic liver disease is referred for additional targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound after an initial contrast-enhanced study identified a 2.5 cm hepatic lesion suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma. The provider re-injects the patient intravenously with gas-core, lipid- or protein-coated microbubble contrast and performs a focused microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound targeted to the lesion to assess arterial phase enhancement, washout characteristics, and intralesional vascularity. The workflow includes verification of IV access and consent, administration of the specified microbubble agent, real-time ultrasound imaging with focused cine loops and still images, interpretation by the attending radiologist or sonologist, and documentation of findings and contrast dose in the report. Typical site of service is the hospital outpatient imaging department or freestanding radiology/imaging center; inpatient use may occur for hospitalized patients requiring targeted lesion characterization or organ perfusion assessment (for example, liver or kidney).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician's interpretation and report for the ultrasound portion when technical component billed separately. |
52 |