How To Use CPT Code 93312

CPT 93312 is a code for transesophageal echocardiography, a diagnostic procedure that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 93312.

1. What is CPT 93312?

CPT 93312 is a medical code used to describe a diagnostic procedure called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). TEE is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, including its valves and chambers. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing various types of heart disease and assessing the overall function of the heart’s valves and chambers.

2. 93312 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 93312 is: “Echocardiography, transesophageal, real-time with image documentation (2D) (with or without M-mode recording); including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report.”

3. Procedure

The 93312 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider performs a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using a flexible tube with a transducer at its tip.
3. The probe is guided down the throat and into the esophagus, the passage leading from the mouth to the stomach.
4. Ultrasound waves are generated by the probe, producing a two-dimensional (2D) image of the heart’s structure and function.
5. The provider interprets the images, assessing the anatomy, dynamics, and function of the heart.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 93312 services are those with suspected or confirmed heart disease, or those requiring a detailed assessment of their heart’s structure and function. This may include patients with valve disorders, congenital heart defects, or other conditions that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Additionally, TEE may be used to monitor patients during certain surgical procedures or to guide the placement of devices within the heart.

5. When to use CPT code 93312

It is appropriate to bill the 93312 CPT code when a provider performs a transesophageal echocardiography to diagnose or assess a patient’s heart condition, or to guide the placement of devices within the heart during a surgical procedure. The code should be used only when the procedure includes probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation, and report.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93312, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the TEE procedure
• Details of the procedure, including probe placement, image acquisition, and interpretation
• Findings and conclusions from the TEE, including any identified heart conditions or abnormalities
• Recommendations for further treatment or follow-up, if applicable

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 93312, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. This code contains both a technical and professional component. Append modifier TC when reporting only the technical component, and append modifier 26 when reporting just the professional component. Do not report CPT 93312 in conjunction with CPT 93355.

8. Historical information

CPT 93312 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2009, with the previous descriptor being “Echocardiography, transesophageal, real time with image documentation (2D) (with or without M-mode recording); including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 93312

Five similar codes to CPT 93312 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 93313: This code is for the placement of the TEE probe only, without image acquisition, interpretation, or report.
2. CPT 93314: This code is for the image acquisition, interpretation, and report only, without probe placement.
3. CPT 93315: This code is for a combined TEE and Doppler study, which includes additional assessment of blood flow within the heart.
4. CPT 93316: This code is for the placement of the TEE probe for a combined TEE and Doppler study.
5. CPT 93317: This code is for the image acquisition, interpretation, and report for a combined TEE and Doppler study, without probe placement.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 93312 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of heart murmur undergoes a TEE to assess the function of their heart valves.
2. A patient with suspected endocarditis has a TEE performed to visualize the heart valves and check for signs of infection.
3. A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation undergoes a TEE to assess the risk of blood clots forming in the heart.
4. A patient with a congenital heart defect has a TEE to evaluate the structure and function of their heart.
5. A patient undergoing a surgical procedure to repair a heart valve has a TEE performed to guide the placement of the surgical instruments.
6. A patient with a history of heart failure undergoes a TEE to assess the function of their heart’s chambers and the effectiveness of their current treatment plan.
7. A patient with a suspected aortic dissection has a TEE performed to visualize the aorta and assess the extent of the dissection.
8. A patient with a prosthetic heart valve undergoes a TEE to evaluate the function of the valve and check for any complications.
9. A patient with a history of myocardial infarction has a TEE to assess the function of their heart and the extent of any damage caused by the infarction.
10. A patient undergoing a catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation has a TEE performed to guide the placement of the catheter and monitor the procedure.