How To Use CPT Code 93317

CPT 93317 describes the procedure of transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies, specifically focusing on image acquisition, interpretation, and report. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93317?

CPT 93317 can be used to describe the procedure of transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies. This involves the use of a flexible tube with a transducer at its tip to obtain a two-dimensional image of the heart. The purpose of this procedure is to visualize the heart and assess its overall function, specifically focusing on any congenital problems that may be present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93317 is: ‘Transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; image acquisition, interpretation, and report only.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider performs transesophageal echocardiography using a flexible tube with a transducer at its tip.
3. The provider obtains a two-dimensional image of the heart to visualize its valves and chambers.
4. The provider interprets and reports on the anatomy, dynamics, and function of the heart, specifically focusing on any congenital abnormalities present.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies is performed on patients with defects or abnormalities in the heart that have been present since birth. This procedure is used to assess the overall function of the heart’s valves and chambers and to determine the presence of various types of heart disease. It is important to note that CPT code 93317 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 93355.

5. When to use CPT code 93317

CPT code 93317 should be used when the provider performs transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies, specifically focusing on image acquisition, interpretation, and report. This code should be used when the provider only performs these specific components of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 93317, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for transesophageal echocardiography
• Details of the image acquisition, interpretation, and report
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any congenital abnormalities identified during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 93317, ensure that the provider only performs the components of image acquisition, interpretation, and report. This code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 93355. It is important to append modifier TC when reporting only the technical component and modifier 26 when reporting only the professional component.

8. Historical information

CPT code 93317 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1997. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing transesophageal echocardiography for a patient with a known congenital heart defect, specifically focusing on image acquisition, interpretation, and report.
2. A provider using transesophageal echocardiography to assess the overall function of the heart’s valves and chambers in a patient with suspected congenital heart disease.
3. A provider obtaining a two-dimensional image of the heart during transesophageal echocardiography to visualize any congenital abnormalities present.
4. A provider interpreting and reporting on the anatomy, dynamics, and function of the heart for a patient undergoing transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies.
5. A provider performing transesophageal echocardiography to determine the presence of various types of heart disease in a patient with congenital cardiac anomalies.
6. A provider using transesophageal echocardiography to assess the overall function of the heart’s valves and chambers in a pediatric patient with known congenital heart defects.
7. A provider obtaining a two-dimensional image of the heart during transesophageal echocardiography to visualize any congenital abnormalities present in an adult patient.
8. A provider interpreting and reporting on the anatomy, dynamics, and function of the heart for a patient undergoing transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies, followed by a complete transthoracic echocardiography study.
9. A provider performing transesophageal echocardiography to determine the presence of various types of heart disease in a patient with congenital cardiac anomalies, followed by a complete transthoracic echocardiography study.
10. A provider using transesophageal echocardiography to assess the overall function of the heart’s valves and chambers in a patient with suspected congenital heart disease, followed by a complete transthoracic echocardiography study.