How To Use CPT Code 75574

CPT 75574 is a code used for computed tomographic angiography of the heart, coronary arteries, and bypass grafts, with contrast material and 3D image postprocessing. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 75574 procedures.

1. What is CPT 75574?

CPT 75574 is a code used to describe a specific medical procedure involving computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the heart, coronary arteries, and bypass grafts, if present. This procedure is performed with the use of contrast material and includes 3D image postprocessing. The code is used by medical coders and billers to accurately document and bill for this procedure.

2. 75574 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 75574 is: “Computed tomographic angiography, heart, coronary arteries and bypass grafts (when present), with contrast material, including 3D image postprocessing (including evaluation of cardiac structure and morphology, assessment of cardiac function, and evaluation of venous structures, if performed)”.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on a table with a CT machine at one end.
2. Contrast material is introduced into the patient’s arm vein at regular intervals.
3. The CT machine rotates around the patient, capturing cross-sectional images of the heart and coronary arteries.
4. Three-dimensional images are generated from the captured data.
5. The provider examines the images for any defects or abnormalities in the heart, coronary arteries, or bypass grafts.
6. Postprocessing techniques may be used to further evaluate cardiac structure, function, and venous structures, if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 75574 services are those who require a detailed examination of their heart, coronary arteries, and bypass grafts, if present. This may include patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease, those with a history of bypass surgery, or those experiencing symptoms suggestive of a cardiac issue. The procedure may also be used to assess cardiac function and evaluate venous structures when necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 75574

CPT code 75574 should be used when a provider performs a computed tomographic angiography of the heart, coronary arteries, and bypass grafts, with contrast material and 3D image postprocessing. This code is appropriate for billing when the procedure is medically necessary and meets the qualifying circumstances outlined above.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75574, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms indicating the need for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of contrast material and 3D image postprocessing
• Findings from the examination of the heart, coronary arteries, and bypass grafts
• Assessment of cardiac function and evaluation of venous structures, if performed
• Provider’s interpretation of the results and any recommendations for further treatment or follow-up

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 75574, it is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and rules. In some cases, providers may need to append modifiers to the code to indicate the professional or technical component of the service. For example, modifier 26 may be used to report only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service, while modifier TC may be used to report only the technical component. Hospitals may be exempt from appending modifier TC, as their portion is inherently technical. Global services, where one provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not require a modifier.

8. Historical information

CPT 75574 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 75574

Five similar codes to CPT 75574 include:

• CPT 0501T: Noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography data
• CPT 0502T: Additional data for FFR calculation
• CPT 0503T: Interpretation of FFR data
• CPT 0504T: Supervision and interpretation of FFR data
• CPT 0623T: Automated quantification and characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque

These codes differ from CPT 75574 in the specific aspects of the procedure they describe, such as the use of FFR data or automated plaque quantification.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 75574 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery undergoes CTA to evaluate graft patency.
2. A patient with chest pain and risk factors for coronary artery disease undergoes CTA to assess for the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis.
3. A patient with an abnormal stress test result undergoes CTA to further evaluate the extent of coronary artery disease.
4. A patient with a known coronary artery anomaly undergoes CTA to assess the anatomy and potential impact on cardiac function.
5. A patient with suspected pulmonary vein stenosis after atrial fibrillation ablation undergoes CTA to evaluate venous structures.
6. A patient with a history of aortic valve replacement undergoes CTA to assess for potential complications related to the prosthetic valve.
7. A patient with a suspected coronary artery fistula undergoes CTA to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the abnormality.
8. A patient with a history of myocardial infarction undergoes CTA to assess for the presence of viable myocardium and potential for revascularization.
9. A patient with a suspected cardiac tumor undergoes CTA to evaluate the mass and its impact on cardiac function.
10. A patient with a history of heart transplant undergoes CTA to assess for potential complications, such as graft vasculopathy or rejection.