CPT codes are standardized, five-digit identifiers maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) used for documenting medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. Understanding these codes helps patients know precisely what procedure was performed, especially for diagnostic imaging like ultrasound. The specific code CPT 76705 refers to a limited ultrasound examination of the abdomen. This diagnostic tool uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal structures without using ionizing radiation.
Defining the Code
The official description for CPT 76705 is “Ultrasound, abdomen, real time with image documentation; limited (e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up).” This designation of “limited” is the defining characteristic of the code, indicating a focused examination rather than a comprehensive survey of the entire abdomen. The code specifies that the scan targets a single organ, a specific abdominal quadrant, or is used for a follow-up assessment of a known condition.
This procedure differs significantly from a complete abdominal ultrasound, which is typically coded as CPT 76700. A complete exam requires the visualization and documentation of multiple major abdominal structures, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts, kidneys, aorta, and inferior vena cava. In contrast, the limited nature of CPT 76705 means the sonographer concentrates only on the area of concern requested by the referring physician. For instance, a limited scan might focus exclusively on the right upper quadrant to evaluate the gallbladder or on the lower abdomen to check for localized fluid collections. The extent of the examination determines which CPT code is ultimately assigned for billing purposes.
Common Indications for the Scan
Physicians order a limited abdominal ultrasound when a patient presents with symptoms pointing to an issue with a specific organ or region, allowing for a highly targeted diagnostic approach. One common reason for ordering CPT 76705 is the evaluation of pain in the right upper quadrant, which often suggests a problem with the gallbladder. The focused scan quickly looks for evidence of gallstones (cholelithiasis) or inflammation of the gallbladder wall (cholecystitis).
Another frequent application is the assessment of specific kidney issues, especially when a patient reports flank pain or blood in the urine (hematuria). In this scenario, the limited ultrasound is directed at one or both kidneys to identify the presence of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), signs of obstruction, or localized inflammation. The procedure may also be used to evaluate the abdominal aorta in patients with a known history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This limited follow-up scan is used to monitor the size of the aneurysm over time, helping to determine the need for intervention.
The limited scan is also routinely used in emergency departments to quickly assess trauma patients for internal bleeding or abnormal fluid accumulation (a procedure sometimes referred to as FAST). Because the examination is restricted to a specific area or organ, it provides rapid, actionable information to guide immediate medical decisions. The focused nature of the study makes it an efficient diagnostic tool when time is a consideration or when the problem is clearly localized.
The Patient Experience
The limited abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive and generally swift procedure that requires minimal preparation from the patient. Depending on the targeted area, patients may be asked to fast for six to eight hours before the scan, particularly if the gallbladder or upper abdominal structures are being examined. Fasting reduces the amount of gas in the stomach and intestines, which can interfere with the sound waves and obscure the image quality.
During the examination, the patient lies comfortably on an examination table, typically on their back. A water-based, hypoallergenic gel is applied to the skin over the specific area of the abdomen being studied. This gel ensures a tight seal and smooth transmission of the sound waves from the transducer, a handheld device that the sonographer moves across the skin.
The patient will usually feel only the slight pressure of the transducer and the coolness of the gel. Due to the limited scope, the procedure is often brief, typically taking only 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
After the scan, the gel is wiped off, and the patient can immediately resume their normal daily activities, as no recovery time is needed. The images are then reviewed by a radiologist or specialist. The final report is sent to the ordering physician, who will discuss the results and next steps with the patient.