How To Use CPT Code 93985

CPT 93985 describes the non-invasive duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities for preoperative vessel assessment prior to the creation of hemodialysis access. 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 93985?

CPT 93985 can be used to describe a non-invasive duplex scan of the arteries and veins in both upper extremities. This scan is performed to assess the vascular supply and venous return in the arm before establishing hemodialysis access. It provides valuable information about the blood flow in the vessels, helping healthcare professionals determine the suitability of the vessels for the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93985 is: ‘Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow for preoperative vessel assessment prior to creation of hemodialysis access; complete bilateral study.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies face up on an exam table.
2. A gel is applied to the skin of both upper extremities to improve contact between the transducer and the skin.
3. A duplex ultrasound machine sends high-frequency sound waves through a transducer.
4. The transducer is pressed against the skin and swept back and forth over the area being studied.
5. The transducer captures the sound waves being reflected back, and a computer creates color-coded images of blood flow in the vessels.
6. The healthcare professional uses these images to assess the speed, direction, and amount of blood flow in the arteries and veins of the upper extremities.
7. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93985 is typically performed when a patient requires preoperative vessel assessment before the creation of hemodialysis access. It is commonly used for patients with end-stage renal disease who need hemodialysis. The scan helps determine the suitability of the arteries and veins in the upper extremities for the procedure. It should not be reported in conjunction with other codes for the same extremity or with code 93990 for the same extremity.

5. When to use CPT code 93985

CPT code 93985 should be used when a non-invasive duplex scan of the arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities is performed for preoperative vessel assessment prior to the creation of hemodialysis access. It is important to ensure that the scan is complete and bilateral to accurately assess the blood flow in the vessels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93985, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for the scan and the need for preoperative vessel assessment
• Details of the complete bilateral study, including the date and time of the procedure
• Specific findings from the scan, such as the speed, direction, and amount of blood flow in the arteries and veins
• Any abnormalities or concerns identified during the scan
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the scan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93985, ensure that the scan is performed for preoperative vessel assessment prior to the creation of hemodialysis access. It should not be reported with other codes for the same extremity or with code 93990 for the same extremity. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and use appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 93985 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with end-stage renal disease undergoes a non-invasive duplex scan of the arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities to assess the suitability of the vessels for hemodialysis access.
2. A healthcare professional performs a complete bilateral study of the arteries and veins in both upper extremities to evaluate the blood flow before creating hemodialysis access for a patient with chronic kidney disease.
3. Prior to the creation of hemodialysis access, a non-invasive duplex scan is conducted on the arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities to assess the vascular supply and venous return in a patient with renal failure.
4. A patient with end-stage renal disease undergoes a preoperative vessel assessment through a non-invasive duplex scan of the arteries and veins in both upper extremities to determine the suitability of the vessels for hemodialysis access.
5. A healthcare professional performs a duplex scan of the arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities to evaluate the blood flow and assess the vessels’ suitability for hemodialysis access in a patient with kidney failure.
6. Prior to the creation of hemodialysis access, a non-invasive duplex scan is conducted on the arteries and veins in both upper extremities to assess the vascular supply and venous return in a patient with end-stage renal disease.
7. A complete bilateral study of the arteries and veins in both upper extremities is performed to evaluate the blood flow and determine the suitability of the vessels for hemodialysis access in a patient with chronic kidney disease.
8. A non-invasive duplex scan is conducted on the arterial inflow and venous outflow in both upper extremities to assess the vascular supply and venous return in a patient with renal failure before creating hemodialysis access.