Bill HCPCS code 76706 for a Medicare-covered abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening ultrasound. Medicare covers this service once in a beneficiary's lifetime when eligibility requirements are met.

Before furnishing the service, confirm the beneficiary has a qualifying risk factor and receives a referral from a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. Coverage is available for beneficiaries with a family history of AAA or for men aged 65-75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their lifetime. The beneficiary must not have previously received an AAA screening covered by Medicare.

Report diagnosis code Z13.6 with either a qualifying tobacco-use history diagnosis code (Z87.891, F17.210, F17.211, F17.213, F17.218, or F17.219) or Z84.89 for family history, as appropriate.

Medicare waives both the deductible and coinsurance/copayment for this preventive service when coverage requirements are met.

HCPCS/CPT Code

• 76706 - Ultrasound, abdominal aorta, real time with image documentation, screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Frequency

• Once in a lifetime

Noridian Medicare Portal

Yes – 76706

Why does the Noridian Medicare Portal display AAA screening for some beneficiaries but not others?

Because AAA screening is a once-in-a-lifetime preventive service, the Portal generally displays the service only when a beneficiary remains eligible to receive it. If a beneficiary has already received a Medicare-covered AAA screening, the Portal will not display a future eligibility date for the service. Beneficiaries who have not yet received the screening may see it listed as a preventive service recommendation.

Resources

• CMS Internet Only Manual (IOM), Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18, Section 110
• CMS Medicare Preventive Services