How To Use CPT Code 93571

CPT 93571 describes the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography, including pharmacologically induced stress. 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 93571?

CPT 93571 can be used to describe the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography, including pharmacologically induced stress. This code is used when a healthcare provider passes a catheter into a coronary artery and injects a medication to increase blood flow. The provider then measures the blood’s velocity and pressure using the Doppler method to determine the extent of a blockage in the vessel.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93571 is: ‘Intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve measurement (coronary vessel or graft) during coronary angiography including pharmacologically induced stress; initial vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ Notes: (Use 93571 in conjunction with 92920, 92924, 92928, 92933, 92937, 92941, 92943, 92975, 93454 – 93461, 93563, 93564, 93593, 93594, 93595, 93596, 93597) (Do not report 93571 in conjunction with 0523T).

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider passes a catheter into a coronary artery.
2. The provider injects a medication that increases blood flow.
3. The provider measures the blood’s velocity and pressure using the Doppler method.
4. The measurements are used to determine the extent of a blockage in the vessel.
5. If necessary, the provider administers a stress agent and takes another measurement to compare the blood flow before and after the administration of the stress agent.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 93571 services are those who require the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography, including pharmacologically induced stress. This procedure is typically performed on patients with suspected blockages or stenosis in their coronary arteries. The provider must pass a catheter into a coronary artery and inject a medication to increase blood flow. The measurements obtained using the Doppler method help determine the extent of the blockage in the vessel.

5. When to use CPT code 93571

CPT code 93571 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography, including pharmacologically induced stress. This code is specifically for the measurement of the initial vessel. It should be used in addition to the primary procedure code for the coronary angiography.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93571, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve
• Details of the coronary angiography procedure, including the catheter placement and medication administration
• Specific measurements obtained using the Doppler method
• Comparison of measurements before and after the administration of a stress agent, if applicable
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93571, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and is performed as described in the official description. It is important to use the appropriate primary procedure code for the coronary angiography in addition to CPT 93571. Do not report CPT 93571 in conjunction with code 0523T. It is also important to review explanations of benefits (EOBs) carefully for claims with add-on codes to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 93571 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography, including pharmacologically induced stress, on the initial vessel of a patient with suspected coronary artery blockage.
2. During a coronary angiography procedure, a provider measures the blood’s velocity and pressure using the Doppler method to determine the extent of a blockage in the initial vessel.
3. A patient undergoes a coronary angiography with pharmacologically induced stress, and the provider uses the Doppler method to measure the intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve in the initial vessel.
4. After passing a catheter into a coronary artery, a healthcare provider administers a medication to increase blood flow and measures the blood’s velocity and pressure using the Doppler method to assess the extent of a blockage in the initial vessel.
5. During a coronary angiography procedure, a provider performs the measurement of intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve on the initial vessel to evaluate the presence of a blockage or stenosis.
6. A patient with suspected coronary artery disease undergoes a coronary angiography with pharmacologically induced stress, and the provider measures the intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve in the initial vessel to assess the severity of the blockage.