Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Does 93925 (Duplex scan of the lower extremity arteries) include the aorta and iliac arteries? If not and we want the aorta and iliac arteries, do we include 93978 (Duplex scan of the aorta, IVC and iliac vasculature)?

Codify Member

Answer: You should be able to report both codes, assuming you have supporting orders and documentation.

Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) does not bundle the two codes. The Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) supported the ability to report the two codes together in a November 2009 article available at www.svunet.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3360.

SVU states: "CPT® code 93925 (Duplex scan of lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study) describes an evaluation of the arteries from the groin downward. CPT® code 93978 (Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts; complete study) describes an evaluation of the arteries from the diaphragm to the groin. These evaluations, which focus on different segments of the body, are non-overlapping, complementary to each other and, in combination, provide the physician with the information necessary to develop a treatment plan for peripheral arterial disease of the legs. The medical literature indicates that combination of the two services described by CPT® codes 93925 and 93978 in many cases can be considered the standard of care for peripheral arterial disease of the legs."