How To Use CPT Code 93321

CPT 93321 describes the use of Doppler echocardiography with pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display for a follow-up or limited study. 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 93321?

CPT 93321 can be used to describe the use of Doppler echocardiography with pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display for a follow-up or limited study. This code is used when the provider performs a limited or follow-up study of a prior Doppler ultrasound using a standardized technique to assess the velocity and direction of blood flow in the cardiac arteries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93321 is: ‘Doppler echocardiography, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display (List separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging); follow-up or limited study (List separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging).’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs Doppler echocardiography using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display for a follow-up or limited study.
2. The provider applies a gel and places a small Doppler transducer on the chest wall at various angles.
3. The provider generates sound waves that capture the images of the heart on a monitor.
4. The provider views and examines the speed and direction of blood flow in the heart.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 93321 services are those who require a follow-up or limited study of a prior Doppler ultrasound. This procedure is typically performed to assess the velocity and direction of blood flow in the cardiac arteries. The provider must use pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display technique to accurately measure the highest blood velocity.

5. When to use CPT code 93321

CPT code 93321 should be used when the provider performs a follow-up or limited study of a prior Doppler ultrasound using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display. This code should be used in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93321, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the follow-up or limited study
• Specific technique used (pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display)
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Images captured and findings observed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93321, ensure that the provider performs a follow-up or limited study of a prior Doppler ultrasound using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display. This code should be listed separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging. Do not report CPT 93321 in conjunction with CPT 93355. Always check the explanation of benefits (EOB) carefully for claims with add-on codes to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 93321 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performs a follow-up study of a prior Doppler ultrasound to assess the velocity and direction of blood flow in a patient’s cardiac arteries.
2. A patient with a history of heart valve stenosis undergoes a limited study using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display to evaluate the blood flow velocity.
3. A provider performs a follow-up Doppler echocardiography to assess the effectiveness of a previous treatment on the velocity and direction of blood flow in a patient’s heart.
4. A follow-up study is conducted on a patient who previously had a Doppler ultrasound to monitor the changes in blood flow velocity and direction in their cardiac arteries.
5. A limited study is performed using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display to assess the blood flow velocity and direction in a patient’s heart after a recent cardiac procedure.
6. A provider performs a follow-up Doppler echocardiography to evaluate the changes in blood flow velocity and direction in a patient’s heart following a medication adjustment.
7. A patient with a history of heart disease undergoes a limited study using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display to assess the blood flow velocity and direction in their cardiac arteries.
8. A follow-up study is conducted on a patient who previously had a Doppler ultrasound to monitor the changes in blood flow velocity and direction in their heart after a lifestyle modification.
9. A provider performs a limited study using pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with a spectral display to assess the blood flow velocity and direction in a patient’s heart after a recent cardiac event.
10. A follow-up Doppler echocardiography is performed to evaluate the changes in blood flow velocity and direction in a patient’s heart following a surgical procedure.