G0389 AAA Screening Ultrasound HCPCS Reimbursement

HCPCS Level II code G0389 represents an ultrasound B-scan and/or real-time imaging study with image documentation performed specifically for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. As a targeted vascular screening procedure, this code supports early detection of aneurysms that can lead to life-threatening rupture if undiagnosed. Nationally, standardized coding for AAA screening matters for preventive care delivery, quality measurement, and appropriate reimbursement for imaging services.

Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for AAA screening, the typical care settings where G0389 is performed, and the implications for billing and documentation. The publication also summarizes common modifiers, highlights where data are available or absent, and outlines related service-line considerations.

This resource provides benchmarks and policy-oriented insights relevant to hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory imaging centers, guidance on documentation expectations tied to an imaging study with image capture, and a clear reference for coding teams and practice administrators seeking to align billing practices with clinical workflows. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code G0389 describes an ultrasound B-scan and/or real time study with image documentation performed for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. This service is a diagnostic ultrasound examination focused on visualization of the abdominal aorta to detect or screen for aneurysmal dilatation.

Service Type: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging (B-scan and/or real-time) for vascular screening

Typical Site of Service: Outpatient imaging centers, hospital outpatient departments, and clinic-based ultrasound suites

Clinical Context

A 68-year-old male with a history of long-term tobacco use and hypertension presents to a vascular screening clinic for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening visit. The patient has no acute abdominal pain but reports intermittent back discomfort. The clinic workflow includes intake with focused history and risk assessment, explanation of the ultrasound screening procedure, verification of prior imaging and screening eligibility, and informed consent. A sonographer performs a focused abdominal aortic ultrasound using B‑scan and/or real‑time imaging with image documentation to measure the maximal anterior‑posterior diameter of the infrarenal aorta. Images and measurements are reviewed by the interpreting physician (vascular surgeon or radiologist). Results are documented in the medical record and communicated to the patient; if an aneurysm threshold is met (commonly ≥3.0 cm), follow‑up imaging and referral to vascular surgery are arranged per clinic protocol. Typical site of service is an outpatient imaging suite, vascular clinic, or physician office equipped for diagnostic ultrasound.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the physician interpretation/report for the ultrasound.
`TC`

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
208D00000X	Vascular Surgery	Vascular surgeons interpret and act on AAA screening results, manage follow‑up.
207RC0000X	Radiology	Radiologists interpret imaging studies and provide official ultrasound reports.
174400000X	Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound Technician)	Sonographers perform the scanning and acquire image documentation.
207L00000X	Interventional Cardiology	May be involved in screening programs in some practices and coordinate care for aneurysm risk factors.
363A00000X	Internal Medicine	Primary care physicians typically order screening and coordinate referrals based on results.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`I71.3`	Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture	Primary diagnosis indicating presence of an AAA; screening aims to detect this condition.
`I71.4`	Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured	Relevant for triage when screening or follow‑up imaging suggests rupture; requires urgent intervention.
`I71.2`	Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture	Included when aneurysm spans thoracic and abdominal aorta and imaging assessment is needed.
`I70.0`	Atherosclerosis of aorta	Atherosclerotic disease is a risk factor for aneurysm formation; may prompt screening.
`Z13.6`	Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders	Screening visit code commonly used to report preventive AAA screening encounters.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`76700`	Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (eg, single organ, quadrant, or follow‑up)	Used when a more limited abdominal ultrasound is appropriate or when documenting a focused aortic examination beyond the dedicated screening code.
`76775`	Ultrasound, retroperitoneal (eg, renal, aorta, great vessels), real time with image documentation; complete	Used when a complete retroperitoneal study is performed that includes the aorta and adjacent structures, often when an abnormality is suspected on screening.
`76937`	Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring ultrasound evaluation of potential access sites, documentation, not for arterial or venous duplex mapping	May be used in procedural workflows when ultrasound guidance is required for subsequent vascular procedures triggered by the screening findings.
`93975`	Duplex scan of abdominal arteries (eg, aorta, renal, mesenteric), complete bilateral study	Used when a more comprehensive vascular duplex evaluation is indicated following abnormal screening results.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (e.g., probe covers, ultrasound gel) provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit	Used for billing supplies when payer policy allows separate supply charges associated with the ultrasound procedure.

OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

HCPCS G0389: Ultrasound for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening