How To Use CPT Code 93050

CPT 93050 describes the non-invasive procedure for assessing central arterial pressures through arterial pressure waveform analysis. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93050?

CPT 93050 can be used to describe the non-invasive assessment of central arterial pressures using arterial pressure waveform analysis. This procedure involves the provider measuring the central arterial pressure by placing a tonometer over the radial artery at the wrist. The waveform is then interpreted, and mathematical calculations are applied to determine the central arterial pressures and augmentation index. The provider evaluates and reports the findings based on these calculations.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93050 is: ‘Arterial pressure waveform analysis for assessment of central arterial pressures, includes obtaining waveform(s), digitization and application of nonlinear mathematical transformations to determine central arterial pressures and augmentation index, with interpretation and report, upper extremity artery, non-invasive.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider monitors the pulse wave amplitude at the radial artery in the wrist.
2. A tonometer is placed over the wrist, where the strongest pulse can be felt, to flatten the artery slightly.
3. A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the radial artery and sends the signals to a digital device.
4. The digital device collects the pressure waveforms and displays the results on a computer.
5. The provider uses the waveform to calculate central arterial pressures and the augmentation index through mathematical calculations.
6. The provider interprets the results and reports the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require CPT 93050 are those who need a non-invasive assessment of central arterial pressures. This procedure is typically performed on the upper extremity artery, specifically the radial artery. It is important to note that CPT 93050 should not be reported in conjunction with diagnostic or interventional intra-arterial procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 93050

CPT code 93050 should be used when a provider performs arterial pressure waveform analysis to assess central arterial pressures. It is appropriate for non-invasive procedures that involve obtaining waveforms, digitization, and the application of mathematical transformations to determine central arterial pressures and the augmentation index. This code should not be used when reporting diagnostic or interventional intra-arterial procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93050, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s condition and the need for arterial pressure waveform analysis
• Specific details of the procedure, including the location of the assessment (upper extremity artery) and the non-invasive nature of the procedure
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the waveform analysis and the calculated central arterial pressures and augmentation index
• Report of the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93050, ensure that the procedure is non-invasive and performed on the upper extremity artery. It is important to note that CPT 93050 should not be reported in conjunction with diagnostic or interventional intra-arterial procedures. Additional tips for billing CPT 93050 may include considering the location of the testing and understanding the differences between non-invasive extremity arterial studies and non-invasive venous studies.

8. Historical information

CPT 93050 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs arterial pressure waveform analysis on a patient’s upper extremity artery to assess central arterial pressures and the augmentation index.
2. Using a tonometer, the provider measures the central arterial pressure of a patient’s radial artery at the wrist and interprets the waveform to determine the central arterial pressures and augmentation index.
3. During a non-invasive procedure, the provider applies mathematical calculations to derive central arterial pressures and evaluates the augmentation index based on the arterial pressure waveform analysis.
4. Arterial pressure waveform analysis is performed by a provider to assess central arterial pressures and the augmentation index using non-invasive techniques on the upper extremity artery.
5. A patient undergoes arterial pressure waveform analysis to determine central arterial pressures and the augmentation index through non-invasive assessment of the radial artery at the wrist.
6. Using arterial pressure waveform analysis, the provider evaluates central arterial pressures and the augmentation index by measuring the radial artery at the wrist non-invasively.
7. During a non-invasive procedure, the provider performs arterial pressure waveform analysis on the upper extremity artery to assess central arterial pressures and the augmentation index.
8. A patient’s central arterial pressures and augmentation index are assessed through arterial pressure waveform analysis performed non-invasively on the radial artery at the wrist.