How To Use CPT Code 93971

CPT 93971 describes the non-invasive extremity venous studies, including digits. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93971?

CPT 93971 can be used to describe the non-invasive extremity venous studies, including digits. This code is used when a provider performs an ultrasound scanning procedure called a duplex scan to characterize the pattern and direction of blood flow in extremity veins, such as the arm or leg. The scan includes assessing the patient’s response to maneuvers such as compression.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93971 is: ‘Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; unilateral or limited study.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider applies gel to the patient’s skin in the area to be tested.
2. The provider moves the ultrasound probe over the skin of the target area, emitting short ultrasonic pulses.
3. The ultrasound pulses collide with soft tissue and reflect back to the probe as echoes.
4. A computer converts the sound wave data into real-time images.
5. The duplex scan combines conventional ultrasound imaging and Doppler ultrasound to assess the vascular structure and blood flow.
6. The provider performs maneuvers, such as compression using blood pressure cuffs, to observe changes in the flow inside the veins.
7. The provider documents the images and interpretation of the results.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93971 is used for non-invasive extremity venous studies, including digits. It is performed to characterize the pattern and direction of blood flow in extremity veins. The patient’s response to compression and other maneuvers is assessed during the study. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 36475, 36476, 36478, 36479, 93985, or 93986 for the same extremity.

5. When to use CPT code 93971

CPT code 93971 should be used when a provider performs a unilateral or limited study of extremity veins, including digits, using duplex scan imaging. This code is appropriate when assessing the patient’s response to compression and other maneuvers during the study.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93971, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific extremity veins studied
• Images obtained during the duplex scan
• Interpretation of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93971, ensure that the study is unilateral or limited and includes responses to compression and other maneuvers. Do not report this code in conjunction with codes 36475, 36476, 36478, 36479, 93985, or 93986 for the same extremity. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service.

8. Historical information

CPT 93971 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 provider performs a duplex scan of the arm veins, including responses to compression, to assess blood flow in a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis.
2. A provider conducts a non-invasive study of the leg veins, including responses to compression and other maneuvers, to evaluate venous insufficiency in a patient with leg swelling.
3. A provider performs a limited study of the hand veins, including responses to compression, to assess blood flow in a patient with hand pain and swelling.
4. A provider conducts a unilateral study of the foot veins, including responses to compression and other maneuvers, to evaluate venous reflux in a patient with foot ulcers.
5. A provider performs a non-invasive study of the arm and leg veins, including responses to compression, to assess blood flow in a patient with a history of varicose veins.
6. A provider conducts a limited study of the finger veins, including responses to compression and other maneuvers, to evaluate blood flow in a patient with finger numbness and discoloration.
7. A provider performs a unilateral study of the toe veins, including responses to compression, to assess blood flow in a patient with toe pain and swelling.
8. A provider conducts a non-invasive study of the forearm veins, including responses to compression and other maneuvers, to evaluate blood flow in a patient with forearm swelling.
9. A provider performs a limited study of the calf veins, including responses to compression, to assess blood flow in a patient with calf pain and cramping.
10. A provider conducts a unilateral study of the thigh veins, including responses to compression and other maneuvers, to evaluate blood flow in a patient with thigh swelling.