© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Doppler echocardiography, specifically coded as CPT® 93320, is a specialized ultrasound technique utilized to assess and quantify blood flow dynamics within the heart. This procedure employs spectral Doppler technology, which can be performed using either pulsed wave or continuous wave methods. The primary objective of this echocardiographic study is to evaluate the flow of blood through various cardiac structures, including the heart chambers, valves, and major arteries. During the procedure, a conductive gel is applied to the patient's chest to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. A handheld transducer is then maneuvered over the chest area, emitting and receiving sound waves that create images of the heart's internal structures and blood flow patterns. The spectral Doppler technique is particularly effective in measuring antegrade flow, which refers to the normal forward movement of blood through the heart's inflow and outflow tracts, as well as across the cardiac valves. To obtain comprehensive data, multiple positions or orientations of the transducer may be necessary. The physician conducting the examination will first review the initial echocardiographic images and may order additional imaging as required to thoroughly evaluate any detected abnormalities. The resulting digital or videotaped images are meticulously analyzed by the physician, who notes any irregularities in cardiac structure or function. The extent of these abnormalities is assessed and quantified, and comparisons are made with previous cardiac studies to identify any significant changes, whether quantitative or qualitative. Following the evaluation, the physician provides a detailed interpretation of the spectral Doppler echocardiography findings, culminating in a written report that outlines the results of the study. It is important to note that CPT® 93320 is designated for an initial complete study, while CPT® 93321 is used for follow-up or repeat studies.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The indications for performing Doppler echocardiography (CPT® 93320) include the evaluation of various cardiovascular conditions and symptoms that may affect blood flow dynamics within the heart. This procedure is typically indicated for the following:
The procedure for Doppler echocardiography (CPT® 93320) involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of blood flow through the heart. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the completion of the Doppler echocardiography procedure, patients may typically resume their normal activities immediately, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not require sedation. The physician will review the findings and may discuss the results with the patient during a follow-up appointment. Any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the findings will be determined at that time. It is important for the physician to document the results accurately and provide a comprehensive report to ensure continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
| Short Descr | DOPPLER ECHO COMPLETE | Medium Descr | DOPPLER ECHO PULSE WAVE W/SPECTRAL DISPLAY COMPL | Long Descr | Doppler echocardiography, pulsed wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display (List separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging); complete | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | 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 | 09 - 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) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I3C - Echography/ultrasonography - heart | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 193 - Diagnostic ultrasound of heart (echocardiogram) |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 93303 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Transthoracic echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; complete | 93304 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Transthoracic echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; follow-up or limited study | 93312 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Echocardiography, transesophageal, real-time with image documentation (2D) (with or without M-mode recording); including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report | 93314 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC N PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Echocardiography, transesophageal, real-time with image documentation (2D) (with or without M-mode recording); image acquisition, interpretation and report only | 93315 | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report | 93317 | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; image acquisition, interpretation and report only | 93350 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation (2D), includes M-mode recording, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test using treadmill, bicycle exercise and/or pharmacologically induced stress, with interpretation and report; | 93351 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S CPT Assistant Article Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation (2D), includes M-mode recording, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test using treadmill, bicycle exercise and/or pharmacologically induced stress, with interpretation and report; including performance of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, with supervision by a physician or other qualified health care professional | C8921 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transthoracic echocardiography with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, for congenital cardiac anomalies; complete | C8922 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transthoracic echocardiography with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, for congenital cardiac anomalies; follow-up or limited study | C8925 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transesophageal echocardiography (tee) with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, real time with image documentation (2d) (with or without m-mode recording); including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report | C8926 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transesophageal echocardiography (tee) with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, for congenital cardiac anomalies; including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report | C8928 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transthoracic echocardiography with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, real-time with image documentation (2d), includes m-mode recording, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test using treadmill, bicycle exercise and/or pharmacologically induced stress, with interpretation and report | C8930 | Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC S Transthoracic echocardiography, with contrast, or without contrast followed by with contrast, real-time with image documentation (2d), includes m-mode recording, when performed, during rest and cardiovascular stress test using treadmill, bicycle exercise and/or pharmacologically induced stress, with interpretation and report; including performance of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, with physician supervision |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | AO | Alternate payment method declined by provider of service | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 56 | Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number. | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 63 | Procedure performed on infants less than 4 kg: procedures performed on neonates and infants up to a present body weight of 4 kg may involve significantly increased complexity and physician or other qualified health care professional work commonly associated with these patients. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 63 to the procedure number. note: unless otherwise designated, this modifier may only be appended to procedures/services listed in the 20100-69990 code series and 92920, 92928, 92953, 92960, 92986, 92987, 92990, 92997, 92998, 93312, 93313, 93314, 93315, 93316, 93317, 93318, 93452, 93505, 93563, 93564, 93568, 93569, 93573, 93574, 93575, 93580, 93581, 93582, 93590, 93591, 93592, 93593, 93594, 93595, 93596, 93597, 93598, 93615, 93616 from the medicine/ cardiovascular section. modifier 63 should not be appended to any cpt codes listed in the evaluation and management services, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, or medicine sections (other than those identified above from the medicine/cardiovascular section). | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | ET | Emergency services | FP | Service provided as part of family planning program | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | MC | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues | MF | The order for this service does not adhere to the appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q3 | Live kidney donor surgery and related services | Q5 | Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | UD | Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state | X2 | Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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