How To Use CPT Code 93975

CPT 93975 refers to a duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents, and/or retroperitoneal organs; complete study. 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 93975 procedures.

1. What is CPT 93975?

CPT 93975 is a medical procedure code used to describe a complete duplex ultrasound study of the arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents, and/or retroperitoneal organs. This diagnostic test is performed to examine the vascular supply to the organs involved and assess the venous return, providing valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.

2. 93975 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 93975 is: “Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; complete study.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies face up on an exam table.
2. A gel is applied to the skin over the abdominal, pelvic, scrotal, and retroperitoneal area to improve contact between the transducer and the skin and facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
3. A duplex ultrasound machine sends high-frequency sound waves through a probe, also called a transducer, which is pressed against the skin and moved over the area being studied.
4. The machine creates images of the structures in those areas, and a monitor displays the images.
5. The test usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 93975 services include those with suspected or confirmed vascular abnormalities, such as arterial stenosis, aneurysms, or venous thrombosis, in the abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents, and/or retroperitoneal organs. Additionally, this procedure may be used to evaluate patients with unexplained abdominal pain, swelling, or other symptoms that may be related to vascular issues in these areas.

5. When to use CPT code 93975

It is appropriate to bill the 93975 CPT code when a complete duplex ultrasound study of the arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents, and/or retroperitoneal organs is performed for diagnostic purposes. This may include evaluating patients with suspected or confirmed vascular abnormalities, as well as those with unexplained symptoms that may be related to vascular issues in these areas.

6. Documentation requirements

Full documentation of the anatomic and physiologic parameters is required to report CPT 93975. The documentation should include a spectrum analysis and/or color flow mapping or imaging of the flowing blood. Additionally, the medical record should contain a detailed description of the findings, including any abnormalities detected, as well as the clinical indication for the study and the patient’s relevant medical history.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 93975, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines and rules set forth by the payer. This may include obtaining prior authorization, if necessary, and ensuring that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any coding modifiers that may apply to CPT 93975, such as modifier 26 for the professional component or modifier TC for the technical component.

8. Historical information

CPT 93975 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no significant updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 93975

Five similar codes to CPT 93975 include:

• CPT 93970: Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; complete bilateral study.
• CPT 93971: Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; unilateral or limited study.
• CPT 93976: Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; limited study.
• CPT 93978: Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts; complete study.
• CPT 93979: Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study.

These codes differ from CPT 93975 in the specific areas of the body being studied, the extent of the study (complete vs. limited), and whether the study is bilateral or unilateral.

10. Examples

1. A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis presents with abdominal pain and swelling. A complete duplex ultrasound study of the abdominal and pelvic vasculature is performed to evaluate for possible venous thrombosis.
2. A patient with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the abdominal vasculature to monitor the size and stability of the aneurysm.
3. A patient with unexplained pelvic pain undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the pelvic and scrotal contents to evaluate for possible vascular abnormalities.
4. A patient with a history of renal artery stenosis undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the retroperitoneal organs to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow.
5. A patient with suspected mesenteric ischemia undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the abdominal vasculature to evaluate for arterial stenosis or occlusion.
6. A patient with a history of liver cirrhosis undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the abdominal vasculature to assess for portal hypertension and possible varices.
7. A patient with a known iliac vein compression syndrome undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the pelvic and retroperitoneal vasculature to evaluate the venous outflow and assess for possible thrombosis.
8. A patient with a history of testicular torsion undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the scrotal contents to evaluate the arterial inflow and venous outflow and assess for possible ischemia.
9. A patient with unexplained lower abdominal pain undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the pelvic vasculature to evaluate for possible vascular abnormalities or compression syndromes.
10. A patient with a history of vascular malformations undergoes a complete duplex ultrasound study of the abdominal, pelvic, and scrotal contents to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow and monitor for possible complications.