How To Use CPT Code 0439T

CPT 0439T describes the procedure of myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography, which is used to assess myocardial ischemia or viability. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0439T.

1. What is CPT Code 0439T?

CPT 0439T is a code that represents the procedure of myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography. This technique involves the use of microbubbles to enhance the visualization of capillaries in tissues. The procedure can be performed when the patient is at rest or during stress to assess the heart for ischemia or reduced blood supply, as well as to determine the viability of the heart muscle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0439T is: ‘Myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography, at rest or with stress, for assessment of myocardial ischemia or viability (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other specific echocardiography codes (93306, 93307, 93308, 93350, 93351).

3. Procedure

1. During myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography, the provider incorporates the use of microbubbles to assess circulation in the capillaries.
2. The provider infuses gas-filled microbubbles intravenously into the patient’s bloodstream.
3. High-energy ultrasound is then used to destroy the microbubbles.
4. The rate of microbubble replenishment is observed to determine the resting flow in the capillaries.
5. Calculations are performed to obtain blood volume fraction and flow velocity values.
6. The procedure may be repeated with the patient at rest and under stress to gather additional information.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0439T is used for patients who require assessment of myocardial ischemia or viability. This procedure is typically performed by a provider during an echocardiography examination. It is important to note that this code should be used in addition to the primary procedure code.

5. When to use CPT code 0439T

CPT code 0439T should be used when the provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to assess myocardial ischemia or viability. This code is used in conjunction with specific echocardiography codes (93306, 93307, 93308, 93350, 93351) and should be listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0439T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or indication for the procedure
• Description of the procedure performed, including whether it was done at rest or with stress
• Documentation of the use of microbubbles and the observations made during the procedure
• Calculation results, such as blood volume fraction and flow velocity values
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0439T, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed in addition to the primary procedure. This code should be listed separately and should not be reported if other specific echocardiography codes (93306, 93307, 93308, 93350, 93351) have not been performed. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines or requirements set by the payer when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0439T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2016. The code was later changed on January 1, 2017, with an updated description. No further changes have been made to the code since then.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography during a stress test to assess myocardial ischemia in a patient with known coronary artery disease.
2. During an echocardiography examination, the provider incorporates myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to evaluate the viability of the heart muscle in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.
3. A provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography at rest to assess myocardial ischemia in a patient with suspected coronary artery disease.
4. During a stress echocardiogram, the provider utilizes myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to evaluate the viability of the heart muscle in a patient with heart failure.
5. A provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography during a dobutamine stress test to assess myocardial ischemia in a patient with chest pain.
6. During an echocardiography examination, the provider incorporates myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to evaluate the viability of the heart muscle in a patient with a history of cardiac surgery.
7. A provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography at rest to assess myocardial ischemia in a patient with suspected microvascular disease.
8. During a stress echocardiogram, the provider utilizes myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to evaluate the viability of the heart muscle in a patient with a family history of heart disease.
9. A provider performs myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography during a pharmacological stress test to assess myocardial ischemia in a patient with diabetes.
10. During an echocardiography examination, the provider incorporates myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography to evaluate the viability of the heart muscle in a patient with a history of arrhythmia.