How To Use CPT Code 93979

CPT 93979 describes the performance of a limited study of the aorta, inferior vena cava (IVC), iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93979?

CPT 93979 is used to describe a limited study of the aorta, inferior vena cava (IVC), iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning. This code is used when the provider performs the study on only one side or focuses on a specific area of these structures. The purpose of the study is to assess any vascular abnormalities or to follow up on previously placed bypass grafts.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93979 is: ‘Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies face up on an exam table.
2. The provider applies a gel on the skin over the area being studied to aid in the transmission of sound waves.
3. A duplex ultrasound machine with a transducer is used to send high-frequency sound waves through the probe and into the body.
4. The provider presses the transducer against the skin and moves it over the area being studied.
5. The machine creates images of the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts, which are displayed on a monitor.
6. The provider analyzes the images to assess any vascular abnormalities or to follow up on previously placed bypass grafts.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93979 is performed when there is a need to assess the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts for any vascular abnormalities or to follow up on previously placed bypass grafts. The study may be limited to one side or a specific area of these structures. It is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning.

5. When to use CPT code 93979

CPT code 93979 should be used when a provider performs a limited study of the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning. This code is appropriate when the study is focused on one side or a specific area of these structures. It should not be used for a comprehensive study of these structures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93979, the provider must document the following information:

• Anatomic and physiologic parameters assessed during the study
• Spectrum analysis and/or color flow mapping or imaging of the flowing blood
• Date and duration of the study
• Specific structures studied (aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts)
• Any abnormalities or findings observed
• Signature of the provider performing the study

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93979, ensure that the study is performed on a unilateral or limited basis. It is important to document the specific structures studied and any abnormalities or findings observed. CPT code 93979 should not be reported with CPT code 76706, which is used for ultrasound screening study for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with real-time image documentation. It is also important to provide a spectrum analysis and/or color flow mapping or imaging of the flowing blood in the documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 93979 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 limited study of the aorta using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to assess for any vascular abnormalities.
2. A patient who previously had a bypass graft undergoes a unilateral study of the bypass graft using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to monitor its function.
3. A provider performs a limited study of the inferior vena cava to assess for any abnormalities or blockages.
4. A patient with suspected iliac vasculature abnormalities undergoes a limited study using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to evaluate the blood flow in the area.
5. A provider performs a limited study of the aorta and iliac vasculature using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to assess for any abnormalities or stenosis.
6. A patient with a history of bypass grafts undergoes a limited study of the bypass grafts using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to monitor their patency.
7. A provider performs a limited study of the inferior vena cava and iliac vasculature using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to assess for any abnormalities or thrombosis.
8. A patient with a known aortic aneurysm undergoes a limited study of the aorta using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to monitor its size and progression.
9. A provider performs a limited study of the iliac vasculature to assess for any abnormalities or narrowing using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning.
10. A patient with a history of bypass grafts undergoes a limited study of the bypass grafts using duplex Doppler ultrasound scanning to evaluate their function and patency.