How To Use CPT Code 0502T

CPT 0502T describes the noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software analysis of functional data to assess the severity of coronary artery disease. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0502T?

CPT 0502T can be used to describe the noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography data. This code is used when computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software is used to analyze functional data and assess the severity of coronary artery disease. It provides detailed imaging of the blood flow in heart vessels with anatomical details.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0502T is: ‘Noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software analysis of functional data to assess the severity of coronary artery disease; data preparation and transmission.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a computed tomography (CT) scan to produce cross-sectional images of the heart.
2. The CT scan images are electronically sent to an FFR-CT specialist.
3. The FFR-CT specialist runs the images through FFR-CT software and creates 3-D representations of different segments of the patient’s heart.
4. The specialist runs a blood flow simulator program on the models to analyze the data.
5. A report with the estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart is created and sent back to the provider.
6. The provider can compare the FFR-CT report with FFR values measured by catheterization.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0502T is used for patients with coronary artery disease who require noninvasive assessment of their fractional flow reserve. This procedure is performed by a provider who performs a computed tomography (CT) scan and sends the images to an FFR-CT specialist for analysis. The specialist uses computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software to assess the severity of the disease and provide detailed imaging of the blood flow in heart vessels with anatomical details.

5. When to use CPT code 0502T

CPT code 0502T should be used when a noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) is derived from coronary computed tomography angiography data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software analysis of functional data. It is appropriate for assessing the severity of coronary artery disease in patients who require this noninvasive diagnostic imaging technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0502T, the provider must document the following information:

• Performance of a computed tomography (CT) scan
• Electronic transmission of the CT scan images to an FFR-CT specialist
• Analysis of the images using FFR-CT software and computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software
• Creation of a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart
• Comparison of the FFR-CT report with FFR values measured by catheterization, if applicable

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0502T, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It should be reported for data preparation and transmission. Take note of any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities. Do not report CPT code 0502T with other codes unless specifically instructed to do so.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0502T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess the severity of coronary artery disease in a patient. The CT scan images are sent to an FFR-CT specialist, who analyzes the data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software. The specialist creates a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart, which is then compared to FFR values measured by catheterization.
2. A patient with suspected coronary artery disease undergoes a computed tomography (CT) scan. The CT scan images are electronically transmitted to an FFR-CT specialist, who uses computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software to assess the severity of the disease. The specialist generates a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart, providing detailed imaging of the blood flow in heart vessels with anatomical details.
3. A provider orders a computed tomography (CT) scan for a patient with coronary artery disease. The CT scan images are sent to an FFR-CT specialist, who runs the images through FFR-CT software and creates 3-D representations of different segments of the patient’s heart. The specialist analyzes the data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software and generates a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart for comparison with FFR values measured by catheterization.
4. A patient undergoes a computed tomography (CT) scan to assess the severity of their coronary artery disease. The CT scan images are electronically transmitted to an FFR-CT specialist, who utilizes computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software to analyze the data. The specialist produces a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart, allowing for detailed imaging of the blood flow in heart vessels with anatomical details.
5. A provider performs a computed tomography (CT) scan on a patient with suspected coronary artery disease. The CT scan images are sent to an FFR-CT specialist, who runs the images through FFR-CT software and creates 3-D representations of different segments of the patient’s heart. The specialist analyzes the data using computation fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software and generates a report with estimated FFR-CT values displayed as color images of the patient’s heart, which can be compared to FFR values measured by catheterization.