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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Review of Ultrasound Parameters for Predicting Difficult Airways
Published on: April 7, 2023
Considerations in incorporating office-based ultrasound of the head and neck
Nadeem A Akbar1, Donald L Bodenner, Lawrence T Kim
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
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.
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