Question:
I'm confused by the 2011 guidelines for 93922-93923. When should I report 93922-52? Answer:
You should report 93922-52 (
Limited bilateral noninvasive physiologic studies of upper or lower extremity arteries ... 1-2 levels; Reduced services) when the patient has only one limb available for study and the physician records only one or two levels.
Example:
A patient has had his right leg amputated. The physician performs the study on two levels on the patient's left leg. You should report this unilateral, limited service using 93922-52.
The source of the confusion may be that CPT guidelines for 93922 and for 93923 (Complete bilateral noninvasive physiologic studies of upper or lower extremity arteries, 3 or more levels ...) instruct you to report limited code 93922 when the physician performs a unilateral exam for three or more levels, or using provocative functional maneuvers, on a patient with only one arm or leg available for study.
In other words:
That means 93922 (without modifier 52) is appropriate for:
- A bilateral exam on one or two levels
- A unilateral exam on three or more levels (that is, lower and/or upper extremity amputee)
- A unilateral exam when performing provocative functional maneuvers.
Experts recommend the following list to help you count levels:
Lower Extremity Levels Upper Extremity Levels
High thigh 1. Arm Low thigh 2. Forearm Calf 3. Wrist Ankle 4. Digits Metatarsal Toes