Billing Ultrasound Guidance with Cranial Tumors

Question:

My surgeon uses ultrasound to facilitate locating lesions in the brain and wants to bill 76998-26 for imaging. Is this appropriate? 

Answer:

No, ultrasound to locate a lesion and/or to confirm adequate resection is included in n the primary procedure and not separately billed 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/15/24.