How To Use CPT Code 93925

CPT 93925 refers to a duplex ultrasound scan of the lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts on both sides, used to examine blood flow and assess blockage presence. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 93925.

1. What is CPT 93925?

CPT 93925 is a medical procedure code used to describe a duplex ultrasound scan of the lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts on both sides. This noninvasive diagnostic procedure is performed to examine the rate of blood flow and assess the presence of blockage in the lower extremity arteries.

2. 93925 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 93925 is: “Duplex scan of lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies on an exam table.
2. The provider applies a gel to the lower extremities to improve contact between the transducer and the skin, helping the sound waves penetrate the skin better.
3. The provider presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area to be examined.
4. The duplex ultrasound scan takes about 30 minutes to complete.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 93925 services are those who require a diagnostic evaluation of their lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts. This may include patients with symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, claudication, non-healing ulcers, or other conditions that may affect blood flow in the lower extremities.

5. When to use CPT code 93925

It is appropriate to bill the 93925 CPT code when a provider performs a complete bilateral duplex ultrasound scan of the lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts to assess blood flow and the presence of blockage. This code should not be used for unilateral or limited studies, which have their own separate codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93925, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms
• Indication for the duplex ultrasound scan
• Findings of the duplex ultrasound scan, including any abnormalities or blockages
• Interpretation and clinical impression of the study
• Provider’s signature and date of service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 93925, ensure that the documentation supports the need for a complete bilateral study of the lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts. Do not use modifier 50 for a bilateral study, as it is already included in the code descriptor. Review the options in code family 93922 to 93931 for noninvasive extremity arterial studies, including digits, to ensure correct coding. Do not report CPT 93925 in conjunction with 93985 for the same extremities.

8. Historical information

CPT 93925 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 93925

Five similar codes to CPT 93925 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 93926: Duplex scan of lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study.
• CPT 93930: Duplex scan of upper extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study.
• CPT 93931: Duplex scan of upper extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study.
• CPT 93970: Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; complete bilateral study.
• CPT 93971: Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; unilateral or limited study.

10. Examples

1. A patient with a history of peripheral arterial disease and claudication undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to assess blood flow and blockage presence.
2. A patient with a non-healing ulcer on their lower extremity receives a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to evaluate arterial blood flow and potential blockages.
3. A patient with a history of smoking and diabetes undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to assess their risk for peripheral arterial disease.
4. A patient with a known arterial bypass graft in their lower extremity receives a duplex ultrasound scan to evaluate the graft’s patency and blood flow.
5. A patient with intermittent leg pain during exercise undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to assess for potential arterial blockages.
6. A patient with a suspected lower extremity arterial aneurysm receives a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to confirm the diagnosis and assess the aneurysm’s size and location.
7. A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to evaluate for potential arterial complications.
8. A patient with a known history of atherosclerosis receives a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to monitor disease progression and assess for potential blockages.
9. A patient with a suspected arterial dissection in their lower extremity undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to confirm the diagnosis and assess the dissection’s extent.
10. A patient with a history of leg swelling and pain undergoes a duplex ultrasound scan of both lower extremity arteries to evaluate for potential arterial blockages or other vascular abnormalities.