CPT 76882: Limited ultrasound assessment of a joint or other structure in the extremity, not including blood vessels - Prior Authorization and Price

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CPT 76882

Limited ultrasound assessment of a joint or other structure in the extremity, not including blood vessels.

Ultrasound

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Payer guidelines that apply

Payer	Reviewed using	Guideline	Sections
Aetna	eviCore	Pediatric Musculoskeletal Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026 Musculoskeletal Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026 Chest Imaging Guidelines 1.0.2026, effective Feb 3, 2026 Breast Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026	29 that name this code
Anthem BCBS	Carelon	Current guideline	None found
Cigna	eviCore	Pediatric Musculoskeletal Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026 Musculoskeletal Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026 Chest Imaging Guidelines 1.0.2026, effective Feb 3, 2026 Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026	28 that name this code
Medicare	CMS	—	None found
Original Medicare does not run a prior authorization program for outpatient imaging; claims are judged against the coverage policies above. Medicare Advantage plans set their own prior authorization rules.
UnitedHealthcare	UnitedHealthcare / eviCore	Commercial and Exchange Cardiovascular and Radiology Imaging Guidelines 09.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026	29 that name this code

Guidelines collected from the payers' published documents on September 29, 2026. Payers revise these documents during the year. Open the guideline link to confirm the current version before you submit.

Conditions the guidelines address for this study

These are the clinical situations where payer guidelines discuss Limited ultrasound assessment of a joint or other structure in the extremity, not including blood vessels. Each has its own criteria for when the study is considered appropriate.

Infection Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Post-Operative Follow-Up Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Tissue Growths, Masses and Cysts Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Arthritis and Joint Degeneration Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Foreign and Loose Bodies Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
General Pain Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Ligament and Fascia Injury Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Muscle/Tendon Unit Injuries/Diseases Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Foreign Body Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Infection/Osteomyelitis Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Limping Child Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Popliteal (Baker) Cyst Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Bone Tumors Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Congenital Anomalies of the Foot and Lower Extremity Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Fracture and Dislocation Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Disease Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Lymphadenopathy Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Soft Tissue and Bone Masses Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
Breast Ultrasound Aetna · UnitedHealthcare

Typical price

Commercial insurance, median

$254

Middle half of rates: $149 to $433

Medicare, hospital outpatient

$107

Facility payment

Medicare, physician fee schedule

$64

National, non-facility

Commercial figures come from negotiated rates published by 1,031 hospitals; Medicare figures from CMS fee schedules. Rates vary widely by hospital and plan. Pricing data from CenterIQ.

Get notified when the rules for this study change

Payers update imaging guidelines several times a year. We will email you when the criteria for Limited ultrasound assessment of a joint or other structure in the extremity, not including blood vessels change.

CPT 76882: Limited ultrasound assessment of a joint or other structure in the extremity, not including blood vessels - Prior Authorization and Price

Payer guidelines that apply

Conditions the guidelines address for this study

Typical price

Get notified when the rules for this study change

Frequently asked questions

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