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CPT®
0292T

CPT® Code 0292T

Official Description

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (coronary native vessel or graft) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; each additional vessel (List separately in addition to primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a sophisticated imaging technique utilized within the coronary arteries, specifically designed to provide detailed microstructural insights into atherosclerotic plaques. This catheter-based modality employs infrared light waves that penetrate the arterial walls, reflecting off internal biological tissues to generate high-resolution images. The primary purpose of intravascular OCT is to assess the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly focusing on identifying vulnerable plaques that are deemed unstable and at a heightened risk of rupture. Such ruptures can lead to significant cardiovascular events, making the evaluation of these plaques critical in clinical settings.

Intravascular OCT serves multiple roles in cardiac care, including its application as an adjunct during stent placement procedures and for follow-up assessments after stent implantation. The imaging process is conducted during a diagnostic evaluation or therapeutic intervention, ensuring that the findings are integrated into the overall treatment plan. The procedure encompasses several components: the supervision of the OCT imaging, the interpretation of the obtained images, and the generation of a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. For accurate coding, it is essential to use CPT® code 0291T for the initial vessel examined and CPT® code 0292T for each additional vessel assessed during the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios related to coronary artery disease. The following conditions and situations warrant the application of this imaging technique:

  • Assessment of Atherosclerotic Plaques - Intravascular OCT is utilized to evaluate the microstructural characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly to identify vulnerable plaques that may pose a risk of rupture.
  • Stent Placement - The procedure is performed as an adjunct to stent placement, providing critical imaging that can guide the placement and ensure optimal results.
  • Follow-Up Evaluations - Intravascular OCT is also employed for post-stent placement evaluations, allowing for the assessment of the stent's position and the condition of the surrounding arterial tissue.

2. Procedure

The procedure for intravascular optical coherence tomography involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and interpretation of coronary vessels. Each step is crucial for obtaining high-quality images and making informed clinical decisions.

  • Preparation and Access - The procedure begins with the preparation of the patient and the establishment of vascular access, typically through the femoral or radial artery. This access allows for the introduction of the catheter used for imaging.
  • Catheter Insertion - A specialized catheter equipped with an optical coherence tomography imaging system is carefully advanced through the vascular system to the target coronary artery or graft. This step requires precision to ensure that the catheter reaches the appropriate location for imaging.
  • Imaging Acquisition - Once positioned, the OCT system is activated to emit infrared light waves. These waves penetrate the arterial wall and reflect off the internal structures, generating high-resolution images of the atherosclerotic plaques and surrounding tissues.
  • Supervision and Interpretation - Throughout the imaging process, a qualified healthcare professional supervises the procedure, ensuring that the imaging is conducted correctly. After the images are obtained, they are interpreted to assess the characteristics of the plaques and any other relevant findings.
  • Reporting - Finally, a comprehensive report is generated, detailing the findings from the OCT imaging. This report is essential for guiding further clinical management and decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the intravascular optical coherence tomography procedure, several post-procedure considerations are important for patient care. Patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications related to the catheterization process, such as bleeding or vascular access site issues. Depending on the findings from the OCT imaging, further interventions may be planned, including additional diagnostic tests or therapeutic procedures. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the imaging and any necessary treatment adjustments. Overall, the post-procedure phase is critical for ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes based on the insights gained from the OCT examination.
Short Descr IV OCT FOR PROC ADDL VESSEL
Medium Descr INTRAV OPTCAL COHRNCE TMGRPHY W/S&I ADL VESL
Long Descr Intravascular optical coherence tomography (coronary native vessel or graft) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; ea
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 62 - Other diagnostic cardiovascular procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 92978, 92979.
2013-01-01 Added First appearance in codebook.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2012-01-01 Added Added
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Description
Code
Description
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