CPT 76830 is a pelvic ultrasound performed with a probe inside the vagina, which gives a much clearer view of the uterus and ovaries than a scan through the abdomen. It is used for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, fibroids, cysts and early pregnancy. It takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What the price covers
The hospital's price is the technical fee for the machine, sonographer and room. The radiologist's reading is billed separately. It is often ordered together with an abdominal pelvic ultrasound (76856), which is a second code and a second charge.
Why prices vary
Like other ultrasounds, the listed prices bear little relation to the cost of a 20-minute exam. Gynecology practices with their own equipment and hospital outpatient centers are usually cheaper than the main hospital campus.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 76830, and does it include the reading?
- Is a transabdominal scan (76856) also being ordered, and what does that add?
- Can it be done in the gynecologist's office instead?