How To Use CPT Code 93888

CPT 93888 describes the non-invasive diagnostic ultrasound evaluation of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique. 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 93888?

CPT 93888 can be used to describe the non-invasive ultrasound evaluation of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique. This code is used when the provider performs a limited study to assess the flow and speed of blood through the arteries inside the head. The study is typically performed after a procedure on the arteries of the head or neck or to assess the effect of various medical treatments for spasm.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93888 is: ‘Transcranial Doppler study of the intracranial arteries; limited study.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider applies a gel to the skin over the base of the skull and the area over the ears to improve contact between the transducer and the skin.
2. The provider holds a transducer in place on the skin’s surface to record blood flow information.
3. A limited study involves ultrasound evaluation of either the anterior circulation territory or the posterior circulation territory.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93888 is performed to assess blood flow to the brain, most often after a procedure on the arteries of the head or neck or to assess the effect of various medical treatments for spasm. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve a surgical incision. The study can be performed on patients with conditions such as sickle cell anemia, stenosis, stroke, or hemorrhage.

5. When to use CPT code 93888

CPT code 93888 should be used when the provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique. This code is appropriate when the study involves ultrasound evaluation of either the anterior circulation territory or the posterior circulation territory.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93888, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the study, such as a previous procedure or assessment of medical treatments
• Specific areas evaluated, either the anterior circulation territory or the posterior circulation territory
• Details of the procedure, including the use of gel and the placement of the transducer

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93888, ensure that the study performed is a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow any payer-specific guidelines and modifiers if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 93888 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a limited transcranial Doppler study to assess blood flow to the brain after a recent carotid endarterectomy.
2. A provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique to evaluate the effect of a new medication on blood flow in a patient with sickle cell anemia.
3. A limited transcranial Doppler study is performed to assess the blood flow in the posterior circulation territory of a patient who recently experienced a transient ischemic attack.
4. A provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique to evaluate the effect of a vasodilator medication on blood flow in a patient with vasospasm.
5. A patient undergoes a limited transcranial Doppler study to assess blood flow to the brain after a recent intracranial hemorrhage.
6. A provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique to evaluate the blood flow in the anterior circulation territory of a patient with suspected stenosis.
7. A limited transcranial Doppler study is performed to assess the blood flow in the posterior circulation territory of a patient with a history of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
8. A provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique to evaluate the effect of a new medication on blood flow in a patient with a history of stroke.
9. A patient undergoes a limited transcranial Doppler study to assess blood flow to the brain after a recent surgical procedure on the arteries of the head.
10. A provider performs a limited study of the intracranial arteries using the Doppler technique to evaluate the blood flow in the anterior circulation territory of a patient with suspected occlusion.