CPT Code 76857: Pelvic Ultrasound (Nonobstetric), Limited or Follow-up

CPT code 76856 is for a complete ultrasound of the pelvis. 76857 is for a limited or follow-up pelvic ultrasound, focusing on a specific area or issue rather than a comprehensive exam.

Yes, urinary bladder evaluation is included within the scope of CPT 76857 when performed as part of the pelvic ultrasound examination. The bladder is one of the pelvic structures that can be assessed during this procedure, particularly when clinically relevant to the patient's presentation or when visualization is necessary to evaluate adjacent reproductive organs properly.

However, if a separate, dedicated bladder ultrasound is performed for distinct urological indications unrelated to the gynecological examination, it may warrant separate coding using the appropriate urological ultrasound codes.

The CPT codes for Pap smear specimen interpretation are in the 88141–88175 range, which are intended for pathologists analyzing the cytology specimen and should not be reported by the office physician who collects the sample.