Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Does a CPT code exist for a Doppler that uses optison, an isotope/contrast material, which is sometimes called the optiscan? Should I code for the injection? What HCPCS code should I use for the optison?


Michigan Subscriber


Answer: For this service, you should report the following components:

the appropriate echo code (93307, Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation [2D] with or without M-mode recording; complete; or 93308,follow-up or limited study)

Doppler (+93320, Doppler echocardiography, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display; complete [list separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging]; or +93321, follow-up or limited study [list separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging]) 

color flow (+93325, Doppler echocardiography color flow velocity mapping [list separately in addition to codes for echocardiography]). Almost always, the cardiologist provides all of these services during this situation.

Keep in mind: The AMA defines a contrast echo as the injection of a small amount of contrast material intravenously during an echocardiography.

You could possibly report this injection with 90772 (Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify substance or drug]; subcutaneous or intramuscular) when the cardiologist uses contrast media for imaging during echocardiography.

Remember: CPT deleted 90782 (Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify material injected]; subcutaneous or intramuscular), effective Jan. 1. Consequently, you should use 90772 instead.

Also, you can report the optison supply using A9700 (Supply of injectable contrast material for use in echocardiography, per study).