| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medicare Allowed Rate What Medicare approves for this service | $84.52 |
| Typical Billed Amount What providers commonly charge | $150 – $750 |
| Potential Markup How much more you might pay vs. Medicare rate | 787% above Medicare |
What CPT Code 76700 Means
CPT code 76700 represents a "complete abdominal ultrasound," which is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of organs in your abdomen. During this procedure, a technician moves a small device called a transducer across your belly while you lie on an examination table.
Doctors typically order this test to examine your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and other abdominal organs. They might use it to investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, check for gallstones, monitor organ health, or follow up on previous findings. The word "complete" means the radiologist examines all the major abdominal organs, not just one specific area.
This code falls under the radiology category and is one of the most commonly performed imaging studies. The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes and doesn't involve any radiation, making it safe for most patients including pregnant women.
How CPT 76700 Appears on Your Medical Bill
When you receive your medical bill or explanation of benefits, you'll see CPT code 76700 listed alongside the description "Ultrasound, abdominal, complete" or similar wording. The typical charge for this procedure ranges from $150 to $750, depending on your location and healthcare facility.
Medicare pays $84.52 for this service, though your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance coverage, deductible status, and whether you've met your annual limits. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover a percentage of the cost after you pay your deductible.
You might see separate charges on your bill for the technical component (the actual ultrasound procedure) and the professional component (the radiologist's interpretation of the images). Some facilities bill these together, while others separate them. Both are normal billing practices.
Verifying Your CPT 76700 Charges
To check if your abdominal ultrasound was billed correctly, first confirm that you actually received a complete abdominal ultrasound rather than a limited or focused exam. If the technician only looked at one specific organ like your gallbladder, you might have received a different type of ultrasound that uses code 76705 instead.
Compare your bill amount to the typical range of $150-$750. If your charge falls significantly outside this range, contact your healthcare provider's billing department for clarification. Ask them to explain any charges that seem unusually high and request an itemized bill if you haven't received one.
If you believe you were incorrectly billed, gather your documentation including the original doctor's order, any procedure notes you received, and your bill. Contact your insurance company to discuss the charges, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor's office to review the coding. Most billing errors can be resolved through direct communication with the billing department.