76821 Middle cerebral artery echo
Also known as: Middle cerebral artery Doppler, MCA Doppler
Obstetric Doppler ultrasound examination of middle cerebral artery to assess fetal intracranial blood flow.
In Plain Language
Brain blood flow check in baby; Fetal brain perfusion assessment
Clinical Context
Assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity to evaluate for fetal anemia, hypoxia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.68 |
| Total RVU | 0.68 |
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 0.68, this code ranks in the 43rd percentile among Radiology codes — 1.2x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 76821?
CPT 76821 (Middle cerebral artery echo) is a Radiology code. Obstetric Doppler ultrasound examination of middle cerebral artery to assess fetal intracranial blood flow.
Who uses CPT code 76821?
CPT 76821 is used by Radiology, Obstetrics, Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity to evaluate for fetal anemia, hypoxia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
When is CPT 76821 used?
Assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity to evaluate for fetal anemia, hypoxia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
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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.