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ICD-10-CM Q44.1, Other congenital malformations of gallbladder | No Prior Auth

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`Q44.1`, Other congenital malformations of gallbladder

ICD-10-CM

Prior Authorization

No Prior Auth Required

Covered without prior authorization (high confidence)

Documentation Required

Medical records must document that the ultrasound was limited to retroperitoneal structures when billing CPT 76770/76775/76776, including images/findings demonstrating limitation to the retroperitoneum.
If the exam was expanded to include organs outside the retroperitoneum, documentation must reflect the expansion and support billing a full or limited abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700/76705/76706).
Claims and documentation should follow the complementary Local Coverage Determination L34577 and any applicable LCD requirements.
This billing and coding guidance complements Local Coverage Determination L34434; follow LCD L34434 for clinical coverage criteria and required documentation for claims.

Key Coverage Criteria

Retroperitoneal ultrasound (CPT 76770, 76775, 76776) is covered when the exam is limited solely to retroperitoneal structures.
A full (complete) or limited abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700, 76705, 76706) is covered when the exam includes organs or structures outside the retroperitoneum or when primary findings involve non-retroperitoneal structures (e.g., gallbladder, liver, spleen, common bile duct).

3 Active Policies

A55336, Billing and Coding: Retroperitoneal Ultrasound

A56389, Billing and Coding: Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Visualization

A56421, Billing and Coding: CT of the Abdomen and Pelvis

Related Codes

C25.3(3 policies)C25.8(3 policies)C25.1(3 policies)C25.2(3 policies)C25.4(3 policies)C25.7(3 policies)C25.0(3 policies)C25.9(3 policies)

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All services billed with unlisted procedure codes must include sufficient medical records and supporting documentation to allow development and medical review.

This billing and coding article provides guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34415 for CT of the abdomen and pelvis; consult LCD L34415 for specific coverage indications, limitations, and documentation requirements.