76604 Ultrasound examination chest
Also known as: Chest ultrasound, Thoracic ultrasound
Ultrasound examination of the chest including pleural spaces, mediastinum, and anterior chest wall structures.
In Plain Language
Ultrasound of chest; Sound wave imaging of lungs and heart area
Clinical Context
Assessment of pleural effusions, pneumothorax, lung consolidations, mediastinal masses, and chest wall abnormalities.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.58 |
| Total RVU | 0.58 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.58, this code ranks in the 36th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 76604?
CPT 76604 (Ultrasound examination chest) is a Radiology code. Ultrasound examination of the chest including pleural spaces, mediastinum, and anterior chest wall structures.
Who uses CPT code 76604?
CPT 76604 is used by Radiology, Pulmonology, Critical Care. Assessment of pleural effusions, pneumothorax, lung consolidations, mediastinal masses, and chest wall abnormalities.
When is CPT 76604 used?
Assessment of pleural effusions, pneumothorax, lung consolidations, mediastinal masses, and chest wall abnormalities.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.