Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Saphenous Vein Mapping

Published on Mon Jul 01, 2002

Question: Can you tell me which code to assign to a saphenous vein-mapping exam?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: The correct CPT Codes for this procedure is usually 93971 (Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; unilateral or limited study). Payment will depend on whether the diagnosis code supports medical necessity for this service. Among the ICD-9 codes that are most often accepted are:

History of previous harvest or stripping of vein (V45.81, Other postsurgical status; aortocoronary bypass status)

Previous history of thrombophlebitis (e.g., 451.0,Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis; of superficial vessels of lower extremities; or 997.2, Peripheral vascular complications)

Severe varicose veins (e.g., 454.2, Varicose veins of lower extremities; with ulcer and inflammation)

Anomalies of peripheral vascular system (747.60-747.69, Other anomalies of peripheral vascular system).

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