The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated Relative Value file Jan. 5, that includes updated reimbursement for the neuromuscular ultrasound codes 76881, 76882 and 76883. The updated file enables providers to separately bill for the professional component (26) and the technical component (TC).
Prior to this, as part of the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule released in November, only global billing was permitted for these codes. For codes 76881 and 76882, this represented deviation by CMS from previous coding and billing rules. The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) and other specialties met with CMS in December to advocate for the reinstatement of the TC/26 modifier applicability to 76881 and 76882, and initiation of allowance for use of these modifiers for 76883. The ACR is appreciative that CMS was receptive to its comments and issued the updated file.
ACR will continue to advocate for accurate and appropriate reimbursement for radiology.
For more information, contact Stephanie Le, ACR Director, Economic Policy.