How To Use CPT Code 93924

CPT 93924 describes the noninvasive physiologic studies of lower extremity arteries, including the use of bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis or volume plethysmography. 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 93924?

CPT 93924 can be used to describe the noninvasive physiologic studies of lower extremity arteries. This code is used when the provider assesses blood flow in the arteries of the legs before and after exercise using techniques such as bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis or volume plethysmography. The provider also measures ankle brachial indices and monitors symptoms and exercise tolerance. This code is used for a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93924 is: ‘Noninvasive physiologic studies of lower extremity arteries, at rest and following treadmill stress testing, complete bilateral study.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places blood pressure cuffs on the legs and arms at the appropriate levels.
2. He obtains Doppler signals from the arteries in the legs using a small probe.
3. The provider applies blood pressure cuffs to the arms and lower legs and compares the differences in pressure between the arms and the ankles, known as ankle brachial index.
4. The patient performs exercise, such as walking on a treadmill.
5. The provider takes blood pressures immediately after exercise and at various times during the rest period following exercise.
6. The provider monitors symptoms, exercise tolerance, and the time needed to recover from exercise.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 93924 services are those who require noninvasive physiologic studies of lower extremity arteries. This may include patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial occlusive disease. The provider uses techniques such as bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis or volume plethysmography to assess blood flow in the arteries of the legs. The study must be a complete bilateral study, meaning both legs are evaluated.

5. When to use CPT code 93924

CPT code 93924 should be used when the provider performs a noninvasive physiologic study of the lower extremity arteries, including bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis or volume plethysmography. This code is used for a complete bilateral study, meaning both legs are evaluated. It should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 93922 or 93923.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93924, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the study, such as suspected deep vein thrombosis or arterial occlusive disease
• Techniques used, such as bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis or volume plethysmography
• Date and time of the study
• Results of the study, including ankle brachial indices and any abnormalities observed
• Monitoring of symptoms, exercise tolerance, and recovery time
• Signature of the provider performing the study

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93924, ensure that the study is a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries. Do not report CPT 93924 in conjunction with CPT codes 93922 or 93923. Modifier 50 should not be added for a bilateral study, as it is already indicated in the code descriptor. Review the documentation and choose the appropriate code from the range of codes for noninvasive extremity arterial studies, including digits, based on the specific diagnostic test performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 93924 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been changes to the code over the years, including updates in 2007 and 2011.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries using bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis for a patient with suspected arterial occlusive disease.
2. A patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis undergoes a noninvasive physiologic study of the lower extremity arteries, including volume plethysmography, to assess blood flow.
3. A provider evaluates a patient’s ankle brachial indices before and after exercise to monitor symptoms and exercise tolerance in a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries.
4. A noninvasive physiologic study of the lower extremity arteries is performed using bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis for a patient with suspected peripheral artery disease.
5. A provider assesses blood flow in the lower extremity arteries using volume plethysmography during a complete bilateral study for a patient with suspected arterial occlusive disease.
6. A patient undergoes a noninvasive physiologic study of the lower extremity arteries, including ankle brachial indices and Doppler waveform analysis, to evaluate exercise tolerance and recovery time.
7. A provider performs a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries using bidirectional Doppler waveform analysis for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis.