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Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Land On 0126T for IMT Screen

Published on Sat Mar 27, 2010

Question: Which CPT code describes carotid IMT screening? Washington Subscriber Answer: The code describing this service is 0126T (Common carotid intima-media thickness [IMT] study for evaluation of atherosclerotic burden or coronary heart disease risk factor assessment). A note following 93882 (Duplex scan of extracranial arteries; unilateral or limited study) supports this use: "To report common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) study for evaluation of atherosclerotic burden or coronary heart disease risk factor assessment, use 0126T." The procedure involves using ultrasound to measure carotid IMT. The intima and media are the carotid artery wall's two innermost layers. One argument is that monitoring IMT allows physicians to keep an eye on atherosclerosis, intervening earlier than they might otherwise. Coverage: Be sure to check your policies for coverage as many payers consider the service investigational. For example, Premera Blue Cross, headquartered in Washington, states ultrasonic carotid IMT measurement is investigational, but notes physicians may [...]
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