@article{6abb13324b714a3a919bbba8245d31da,
title = "Considerations in incorporating office-based ultrasound of the head and neck",
abstract = "Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the cost considerations and strategies for incorporating ultrasound (US) in a head and neck practice. Study design and setting: A retrospective chart review of office-based US procedures from 2001 to 2005 was completed at our academic medical center. Billing and coding for US and US guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) were examined. Results: The appropriate CPT codes are 76536 for US and 76942 and 10022 for USFNA-related procedures. The USFNA codes should be used repeatedly for correct coding of biopsies from multiple sites. Cost (equipment) sharing between specialties is a potential strategy for office-based US incorporation. Conclusion: Based on practice volume, specific CPT coding, and Medicare reimbursements, office-based US equipment and certification costs could be offset in 1 year. Significance: Office-based US can be readily incorporated with significant benefits to patients. Billing and usage strategies were identified that would improve the economics of providing office-based US.",
author = "Akbar, {Nadeem A.} and Bodenner, {Donald L.} and Kim, {Lawrence T.} and Suen, {James Y.} and Kokoska, {Mimi S.}",
note = "Funding Information: This study was approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institutional Review Board (45958). Essentially all office-based US and USFNA were performed by 1 physician (physician A) in the Arkansas Cancer Research Center (ACRC) at UAMS between January 2002 and June 2005. A review of this physician's billing during this time period showed that the CPT codes that were submitted by this physician were 76536 for US of the neck or thyroid and 76942 for ultrasound needle guidance. The code that was submitted for the fine needle aspiration (FNA) portion of USFNA was identified as 11100. These 3 codes were used in a query of the hospital billing records to find the total number of procedures performed during the given time period. The billing records were then analyzed to determine the reimbursements based on the current Medicare charges for the state of Arkansas. 16 The reimbursement for both the physician component and the technical component were tabulated per fiscal year (June of one year to June of the following year). To help practitioners anticipate the necessary volume of USFNA and US to offset an US machine purchase, we developed a mathematical equation that factors in reimbursement amounts. Two physicians (A and B), who have successfully implemented office-based US into their practices, were interviewed to determine the features they considered were necessary in an US machine to perform office-based US and USFNA of the head and neck. We examined the process and cost of ultrasound certification in the United States. We also evaluated strategies to assist with the initial incorporation of office-based US. ",
year = "2006",
month = dec,
doi = "10.1016/j.otohns.2006.05.004",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "135",
pages = "884--888",
journal = "Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (United States)",
issn = "0194-5998",
publisher = "Mosby Inc.",
number = "6",
}