Cardiology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS :

For 93306, 93307, Documented Attempt Matters

Question: If the provider cant visualize some structures, can I still report a complete transthoracic echo code? Michigan Subscriber Answer: If the provider tries to identify and measure all required structures but cant, she should document why she could not visualize those specific elements, according to CPTs Echocardiography section guidelines. With that documentation, you may report a complete transthoracic echo (93307, Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation [2D], includes M-mode recording, when performed, complete, without spectral or color Doppler echocardiography). The structures required for 93307 include the following: " Left and right atria " Left and right ventricles " Aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves " Pericardium " Adjacent portions of aorta. CPT guidelines state that you should include additional structures visualized, such as the pulmonary veins and artery, pulmonic valve, and inferior vena cava, as part of the service. 93306 reminder: For a complete transthoracic echo with spectral and color [...]
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