How To Use CPT Code 93320

CPT 93320 is a code for complete Doppler echocardiography, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display. 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 93320 procedures.

1. What is CPT 93320?

CPT 93320 is a code used to describe a complete Doppler echocardiography procedure that involves the use of pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display. This diagnostic procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create a two-dimensional image of the heart and assess the speed and direction of blood flow via spectral display.

2. 93320 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 93320 is: “Doppler echocardiography, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display (List separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging); complete.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is instructed to remove clothing to the waist level and is provided with a gown if necessary.
2. The patient lies down on the examination table in a dimly-lit room.
3. A sonographer applies gel on the patient’s chest wall or thorax.
4. Sticky electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest skin to receive an EKG report during the test.
5. The sonographer uses a transducer to move over the gel-smeared chest wall skin of the patient.
6. In conjunction with normal echocardiography, the technician performs a Doppler echo using a different transducer.
7. The sonographer moves the transducer at various angles and positions over the location of the heart to obtain a complete picture.
8. Powerful sound waves are transmitted through the transducer, bounce back upon falling onto the heart, and are converted into two-dimensional images displayed on a computer screen.
9. The Doppler echo recording is stored on a videotape or other storage media and later interpreted by a cardiologist.
10. The entire process typically takes less than one hour to complete.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 93320 services are those who require a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess the speed and direction of blood flow in their heart. This may include patients with suspected or known heart conditions, such as valve disorders, congenital heart defects, or heart failure. Additionally, patients undergoing certain medical treatments or procedures that may affect heart function may also qualify for this service.

5. When to use CPT code 93320

It is appropriate to bill the 93320 CPT code when a complete Doppler echocardiography with pulsed wave and/or continuous wave and spectral display is performed on a patient. This code should be used in conjunction with primary codes for echocardiographic imaging, as specified in the CPT code descriptor.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93320, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the echocardiography
• Details of the procedure, including the type of Doppler echocardiography performed (pulsed wave, continuous wave, or both) and the use of spectral display
• Findings and interpretation of the Doppler echocardiography by the cardiologist
• Any recommendations for further testing or treatment based on the results of the echocardiography

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 93320, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. This code is an add-on code and must be reported along with a primary code for echocardiography. Add-on codes have a separately reimbursable value that has already had the applicable discount for multiple procedures at the time the relative value unit (RVU) was assigned. Always check your explanation of benefits (EOB) carefully for claims with add-on codes to ensure the payer reimburses you the entire fee schedule rate for the billed procedures or services. Add-on codes should never be reduced for multiple procedure discounts unless you have a contract stating otherwise.

8. Historical information

CPT 93320 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 93320

Five similar codes to CPT 93320 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 93321: This code is for a follow-up or limited pulsed wave and/or continuous wave echocardiography with spectral display.
• CPT 93303: This code is for transthoracic echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies, complete.
• CPT 93312: This code is for transesophageal echocardiography for guidance of a transcatheter intracardiac or great vessel(s) structural intervention(s).
• CPT 93350: This code is for echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation, including spectral Doppler, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test.
• CPT 93351: This code is for echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation, including spectral Doppler, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test with supervision by a physician or other qualified health care professional.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 93320 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of heart murmur undergoes a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess the function of their heart valves.
2. A patient with suspected congenital heart defects receives a complete Doppler echocardiography to evaluate the structure and function of their heart.
3. A patient with a history of heart failure undergoes a complete Doppler echocardiography to monitor their heart function and response to treatment.
4. A patient undergoing chemotherapy for cancer receives a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess potential cardiotoxic effects of the treatment.
5. A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation undergoes a complete Doppler echocardiography to evaluate blood flow patterns in their heart.
6. A patient with a prosthetic heart valve receives a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess the function and integrity of the valve.
7. A patient with a history of myocardial infarction undergoes a complete Doppler echocardiography to evaluate their heart function and potential complications.
8. A patient with a suspected aortic aneurysm receives a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess the size and shape of the aorta.
9. A patient with a history of hypertension undergoes a complete Doppler echocardiography to evaluate the effects of high blood pressure on their heart function.
10. A patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism receives a complete Doppler echocardiography to assess the presence of blood clots in their heart.