How To Use CPT Code 96373

CPT 96373 describes the administration of a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection via an artery. 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 96373?

CPT 96373 can be used to describe the administration of a medication or other substance through an artery for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes. This code is used when a healthcare provider injects the substance into an artery to treat, prevent, or diagnose a condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96373 is: ‘Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); intra-arterial.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider discusses the need for the intra-arterial injection with the patient and/or their family, explaining why it is necessary and what to expect.
2. Once the patient is appropriately prepped, the provider examines the site of the proposed injection and feels for a pulse.
3. The provider verifies that the dosage of the drug matches the order and prepares the substance or drug.
4. Using a needle with a syringe attached, the provider inserts the needle into the artery and injects the drug.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96373 is used when a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection is administered via an artery. This code is appropriate for procedures performed within an artery for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis. It is important to note that the documentation for this code must specify the substance or drug used for the injection.

5. When to use CPT code 96373

CPT code 96373 should be used when a healthcare provider administers a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection via an artery. This code is not appropriate for other routes of administration, such as intravenous or intramuscular injections.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96373, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The specific substance or drug used for the injection
• Date and time of the procedure
• Reason for the intra-arterial injection
• Preparation and administration process
• Any relevant findings or observations during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the injection

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96373, ensure that the injection is administered via an artery and that the documentation specifies the substance or drug used. It is important to note that multiple administrations of CPT 96373 should be reported as individual administrations if they are individually prepared. Additionally, consider the location of the testing when coding these injections.

8. Historical information

CPT 96373 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist administering an intra-arterial injection of a contrast agent to diagnose a blockage in a patient’s coronary artery.
2. An interventional radiologist performing an intra-arterial injection of chemotherapy drugs to treat liver cancer.
3. A vascular surgeon administering an intra-arterial injection of a vasodilator to improve blood flow in a patient with peripheral artery disease.
4. An anesthesiologist delivering an intra-arterial injection of a local anesthetic to numb a specific area during a surgical procedure.
5. A neurologist performing an intra-arterial injection of a thrombolytic agent to dissolve a blood clot in a patient with an acute ischemic stroke.
6. A radiologist administering an intra-arterial injection of a radioactive substance for a nuclear medicine scan.
7. An interventional cardiologist performing an intra-arterial injection of a stent to open a blocked coronary artery.
8. A vascular surgeon delivering an intra-arterial injection of a sclerosing agent to treat varicose veins.
9. An interventional radiologist administering an intra-arterial injection of embolic material to block blood flow to a tumor.
10. A neurosurgeon performing an intra-arterial injection of a chemotherapeutic agent to treat a brain tumor.