As 2024 gets closer, medical billing experts and healthcare professionals anxiously await the most recent modifications to CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. In 2024, one of the most wanted CPT codes will be for an echocardiography. In this blog article, we’ll discuss the modifications to the CPT code for this operation and the importance of echocardiograms in healthcare.
What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound test that works through high-pitched sound waves. Then, it will have visual images of the heart. The primary function of this test is to check the part of the heart, to diagnose heart disease, or to assess the functioning of heart muscles. It will provide important information about heart health, especially for heart patients and their treatment procedures.
Why is it important?
An echocardiogram, sometimes known as an “echo,” is a non-invasive ultrasound diagnostic that implements high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the heart. The scan can determine the heart’s structure, size, and movement in addition to the direction of the blood flow.
Echocardiograms are essential because they may be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of cardiac diseases, including congenital heart abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, heart disease, and heart valve disease. A cardiac radiographer or echocardiographer can perform the safe test. An echocardiogram is not the same as an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that monitors the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart.
Potential Updates to CPT Codes for Echocardiograms in 2024
Although the accurate updates to CPT codes for echocardiograms in 2024 have not yet been revealed, the following options are potential input given current trends and modifications in medical coding:
Code Combination
Similar to other medical services, there might be a natural inclination to combine several CPT codes into a single, all-inclusive code. This may result in a single echocardiogram CPT code that would include all the views and parts currently covered by the other codes.
Simplifying Codes
Medical coding specialists may simplify some of the current CPT codes for echocardiograms to improve usability and lower the risk of billing errors. This might include eliminating or combining some of the existing code choices.
Introduction to New Codes
As new techniques and technologies are created, the latest progress in echocardiography could require new CPT codes. These may include codes for specific imaging procedures such as 3D echocardiograms or complex color Doppler methods.
What are the Different Types of Echocardiograms?
There are different types of echocardiograms with their CPT codes:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
CPT Codes: 93306 (complete), 93307 (follow-up)
Description: This CPT code is the most common type, as it uses a transducer on the chest space to see the heart’s structures, functions, valves, chambers, and overall performance.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
CPT Codes: 93312 (initial), 93313 (follow-up)
Description: During this process, it inserted a tiny transducer into the esophagus to provide a better view of the heart, particularly the aorta and valves. It is frequently used to identify cardiac diseases such as valve issues, blood clots, etc.
Stress Echocardiogram
CPT Codes: 93350 (exercise), 93351 (pharmacologic)
Description: To do this test, they must perform an echocardiogram when the heart is under stress from either training or medication. It assesses the heart’s performance under pressure and can identify cardiac conditions, such as coronary artery disease or other issues that may not be seen while the heart rests.
Doppler Echocardiogram
CPT Codes: 93320 (complete), 93321 (follow-up), 93325 (limited study)
Description: This method uses Doppler ultrasonography to measure blood flow via the heart’s valves. It can detect stenosis or regurgitation of the valves, aberrant patterns of blood flow, and other cardiac problems.
Fetal Echocardiogram
CPT Codes: 76825, 76826, 76827, and 76828
Description: This echocardiography assesses a fetus’s heart during pregnancy. It can evaluate fetal heart function and identify congenital cardiac problems.
Current CPT Codes for Echocardiograms
The following CPT codes apply to echocardiograms in 2023:
- 93373: Focused echocardiogram (color Doppler, long-axis or short-axis parasternal view, and 1-view).
- 93374: Global echocardiogram (color Doppler, apical 4-chamber view, and 1-view).
- 93375: Regional echocardiogram (color Doppler, 1-view, and selected chamber view included)
- 93376: Spot echocardiogram (color Doppler, 1-view, any view)
- 93377: Transesophageal echocardiogram (including 2-view, transesophageal long- and short-axis views, and color Doppler).
- 93372: Full echocardiogram (color Doppler, long-axis and short-axis views of the parasternum, and 2-view).
How Long Does an Echocardiogram Take?
The duration of an echocardiogram spent around 5 minute can vary based on the type of echocardiogram and the number of images needed. On average, it takes between 20 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The test usually lasts less than 15 minutes, but around 5 minutes are spent preparing and positioning the patient, and we spend about 15 minutes capturing the necessary heart images.
A stress echocardiogram may take an additional 20 minutes, depending on the type of stress. Sometimes, patients may need to exercise on a treadmill before the echocardiogram pictures are taken. Patients will be taken to the echocardiogram room and given a gown. After the test, a written report will be sent to the doctor, who will discuss the results with the patient.
Reasons for an Echocardiogram to Take Longer than Usual
There are a few reasons why an echocardiogram might take longer than usual:
- Complex Imaging: Sometimes, if the patient has lung problems, it’s tricky to get clear images. This might cause the procedure to take a bit longer.
- Additional Testing: The echocardiogram might occasionally involve extra tests, like a stress echocardiogram. These other tests can add some extra time to the procedure.
- Special Findings: it might extend the procedure if any remarkable findings on the echocardiogram need more attention and additional images.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram: with a transesophageal echocardiogram, the procedure can take up to 90 minutes. This is because a probe needs to be inserted into the esophagus to get more explicit images of the heart.
Conclusion
The classification of CPT codes for echocardiograms is still being determined as of 2024. Medical billing specialists and healthcare professionals should stay current on the most recent updates and changes to ensure they are using the correct codes for their patients. By taking this action, they can provide effective billing and reimbursement for this vital medical service.