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CAROTID DOPPLER ULTRASOUND CPT CODE CODE
Remember that a bilateral study which is not complete (i.e., limited) would be classified by CPT code 93882.Ĭerebrovascular Arterial Studies (93880-93893) CPT code 93882 conveys this less work intensive ultrasound procedure. Under certain circumstances, a limited or unilateral study may be appropriate. When the evaluation based on the validated institutional requirements is satisfactory on both sides of the neck, the study may be classified as “bilateral and complete” for reporting purposes. The absolute measurements at peak systole and end diastole combined with the ratio of internal carotid to common carotid artery velocities are used through validated criteria to help determine degree of stenosis. CPT code 93880 describes a “complete bilateral” study that generally involves cross sectional evaluation of the plaque for morphology and luminal compromise as well as Doppler spectral analysis with velocity measurements of the blood flow at several locations. Scans and color duplex ultrasonography in the evaluation of common carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions.ĭuplex ultrasound evaluation of the extracranial carotid artery is reported through two discrete coding descriptions. T he authors compare computed tomography (CT) Furthermore, it has been longstanding CMS policy that “tests that are performed in the absence of signs, symptoms, complaints, or personal history of disease or injury are not covered unless explicitly authorized by statute”. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(1)(A) states ” …no Medicare payment shall be made for items or services which are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury…”.
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It is useful to classify noninvasive tests of carotid function into direct and indirect tests.
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There are varieties of these tests which measure various physiological and anatomical aspects of carotid function, including pressure (systolic, diastolic, and pulse), turbulence, flow, and collateral circulation. Noninvasive tests of carotid function aid physicians in studying and diagnosing carotid disease. The provider performs a duplex ultrasound scan of the arteries and veins in both upper extremities to assess vascular supply and venous return in the arm prior to establishing hemodialysis access. The presence of arterial stenosis, occlusion, and identification of incompetent veins can also be achieved through this process.ĩ3985 Non-Invasive Extremity Arterial-Venous Studies
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A physician can visualize and selectively assess the flow patterns of peripheral vessels using real–time ultrasound imaging and pulsed Doppler. 93880 Duplex scan of extracranial arteries complete bilateral studyĭuplex scanning of arteries for the evaluation of blood flow is a type of non–invasive vascular diagnostic process.
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