How To Use CPT Code 93981

CPT 93981 describes the follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound 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 93981?

CPT 93981 can be used to describe the follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique. This code is used when a provider performs a limited study of the penile vessels during a follow-up visit, using duplex ultrasound to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93981 is: ‘Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels; follow-up or limited study.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies on his back on an examining room table.
2. The provider injects a vasodilator into the penile arteries to increase the inflow of blood.
3. The provider performs a penile Doppler ultrasound of the arteries supplying the corpora cavernosa on both sides of the penis.
4. After some time, when the patient becomes aroused, the provider repeats the Doppler ultrasound.
5. The provider uses the information gathered from the Doppler ultrasound to determine if there is an inflow or outflow problem in the penile veins and arteries.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93981 is typically performed as a follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels. It is used to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels in patients who may be experiencing issues with erectile dysfunction or other related conditions. The procedure is performed by a provider using duplex ultrasound technique.

5. When to use CPT code 93981

CPT code 93981 should be used when a provider performs a follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique. It is important to note that this code is specific to the assessment of the penile vessels and should not be used for other types of vascular studies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93981, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels
• Details of the duplex ultrasound technique used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Findings from the assessment of the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels
• Any additional relevant information or observations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93981, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a follow-up or limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique. It is important to accurately document and code the procedure to ensure proper reimbursement. CPT code 93981 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or services were performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT 93981 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient visits a urologist for a follow-up appointment after undergoing treatment for erectile dysfunction. The urologist performs a limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.
2. A patient with a history of penile trauma presents to the emergency department with concerns about erectile dysfunction. The emergency department physician performs a follow-up study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique to evaluate the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.
3. A primary care physician refers a patient to a vascular specialist for further evaluation of suspected vascular issues contributing to erectile dysfunction. The vascular specialist performs a limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.
4. A patient with a history of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease sees a cardiologist for a routine follow-up appointment. The cardiologist performs a follow-up study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique to evaluate the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.
5. A patient with a history of prostate cancer undergoes treatment and experiences erectile dysfunction as a side effect. The oncologist refers the patient to a radiologist for a limited study of the penile vessels using duplex ultrasound technique to assess the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels.