How To Use CPT Code 93770

CPT 93770 describes the noninvasive measurement of venous pressure to assess the cardiovascular system in patients with critical illnesses. 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 93770?

CPT 93770 can be used to describe the noninvasive measurement of venous pressure in patients with critical illnesses. This code is used when a healthcare provider uses a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer to assess the state of the cardiovascular system by measuring the pressure in a large vein in the upper arm or groin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93770 is: ‘Determination of venous pressure, noninvasive (for central venous cannulization, see 36555-36556, 36500).’ This code is used to measure the pressure in the peripheral venous system, which includes the veins in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, using a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider selects a large vein in the upper arm or groin for measurement.
2. A pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer is applied over the selected vein.
3. The provider measures the pressure in the vein using the pressure manometer.
4. The measurement helps assess the state of the cardiovascular system in patients with critical illnesses.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93770 is used in patients with critical illnesses who require assessment of their cardiovascular system. The measurement of venous pressure is noninvasive and helps evaluate the state of the peripheral venous system. This code is used when a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer is used to measure the pressure in a large vein in the upper arm or groin.

5. When to use CPT code 93770

CPT code 93770 should be used when a healthcare provider needs to assess the cardiovascular system in patients with critical illnesses. This code is appropriate for noninvasive measurement of venous pressure using a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer. It should not be used for central venous cannulization, which has its own specific codes (36555-36556, 36500).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93770, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the measurement of venous pressure
• Location of the selected vein for measurement
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the venous pressure measurement
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93770, ensure that the procedure is noninvasive and involves the measurement of venous pressure using a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer. It should not be reported with codes for central venous cannulization (36555-36556, 36500). Consider the location of the testing when coding for pulmonary function tests, as they have both a professional and technical component.

8. Historical information

CPT 93770 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 healthcare provider measures the venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with sepsis to assess the state of their cardiovascular system.
2. Using a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer, a provider measures the venous pressure in the groin of a patient with heart failure to evaluate their cardiovascular function.
3. In a critical care setting, a healthcare provider performs a noninvasive measurement of venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
4. During a routine examination, a provider measures the venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with a suspected cardiovascular disorder to aid in diagnosis.
5. A healthcare provider uses a pressure manometer connected to an ultrasound transducer to measure the venous pressure in the groin of a patient with renal failure to monitor their cardiovascular status.
6. In an emergency department, a provider performs a noninvasive measurement of venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with trauma to assess their cardiovascular function.
7. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider measures the venous pressure in the groin of a patient with liver disease to evaluate their cardiovascular status.
8. A provider performs a noninvasive measurement of venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with septic shock to assess their cardiovascular function.
9. In a critical care unit, a healthcare provider measures the venous pressure in the groin of a patient with multiple organ failure to monitor their cardiovascular status.
10. During a cardiac evaluation, a provider measures the venous pressure in the upper arm of a patient with chest pain to aid in diagnosis.