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Official Description

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), extracellular fluid analysis for lymphedema assessment(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93702 refers to the procedure known as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), specifically for the analysis of extracellular fluid in the context of lymphedema assessment. This procedure is particularly significant for identifying individuals who may be at risk for developing lymphedema, especially following surgical interventions or radiation therapy. Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of protein-rich extracellular fluid in tissues, which occurs due to dysfunction or disruption of the lymphatic drainage system. This accumulation can lead to various complications, including fibrotic changes in the tissue, lipid accumulation, and symptoms such as pain, paresthesias, and an increased risk of infection in the affected extremity. Bioimpedance spectroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique that utilizes alternating current applied through a set of cutaneous electrodes to detect changes in extracellular fluid volume. During the procedure, the patient is positioned supine on a non-conducting surface, with their limbs slightly abducted and upper extremities pronated. The skin is prepared by cleansing it with alcohol, and specific electrodes are strategically placed on the affected limb to measure the fluid levels accurately. For upper extremities, measurement electrodes are positioned at the wrist, while drive electrodes are placed approximately 5 cm below on the hand. In the case of lower extremities, the measurement electrode is located at the ankle, with the drive electrode on the foot. The technique allows for the differentiation between extracellular and intracellular fluid by utilizing low and high-frequency currents, respectively, thereby providing a comprehensive assessment of total fluid volume. Additionally, when evaluating a patient with unilateral lymphedema, the non-affected limb can be tested to establish normal control values, enhancing the accuracy of the assessment.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) procedure, coded as CPT® 93702, is indicated for the assessment of lymphedema in patients who may be at risk due to various medical conditions or treatments. The following are the specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Risk Assessment for Lymphedema - BIS is utilized to identify individuals at risk for developing lymphedema, particularly after surgical procedures or radiation therapy.
  • Monitoring Disease Progression - The procedure is employed to monitor the progression of lymphedema in patients who have already been diagnosed with the condition.
  • Evaluating Treatment Response - BIS can be used to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment strategies for lymphedema, providing valuable data for clinical decision-making.

2. Procedure

The procedure for bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate assessment of extracellular fluid for lymphedema evaluation. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Patient Positioning - The patient is positioned supine on a non-conducting surface to minimize interference from external factors. The limbs are slightly abducted, and the upper extremities are pronated to facilitate electrode placement.
  • Skin Preparation - The skin over the areas where electrodes will be placed is cleansed with alcohol to reduce the risk of infection and ensure good electrical contact.
  • Electrode Placement for Upper Extremities - For assessments of the upper extremities, two measurement electrodes are placed at the wrist of the affected arm. Additionally, two drive electrodes are positioned approximately 5 cm below the measurement electrodes on the hand to create the necessary electrical circuit.
  • Electrode Placement for Lower Extremities - In cases where the lower extremities are being assessed, the measurement electrode is placed at the ankle, while the drive electrode is positioned on the foot, following the same principles as for the upper extremities.
  • Current Application - A low-frequency alternating current is applied through the electrodes, which travels through the extracellular fluid, while a higher frequency current passes through both extracellular and intracellular fluid. This dual-frequency approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of total fluid volume in the tissues.
  • Control Values Assessment - When evaluating a patient with unilateral lymphedema, the non-affected limb may also be tested using BIS to obtain normal control values, which can be compared against the affected limb's measurements for a more accurate assessment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the bioimpedance spectroscopy procedure is completed, there are several considerations for post-procedure care and follow-up. Patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the procedure, although BIS is generally well-tolerated due to its non-invasive nature. The results of the BIS assessment should be documented thoroughly, and the data should be analyzed to determine the presence and severity of lymphedema. Based on the findings, healthcare providers may recommend further treatment options or interventions tailored to the patient's specific needs. Regular follow-up assessments may be scheduled to monitor changes in fluid levels and the effectiveness of any implemented treatment strategies.

Short Descr BIS XTRACELL FLUID ANALYSIS
Medium Descr BIS EXTRACELLULAR FLUID ALYS LYMPHEDEMA ASSMNT
Long Descr Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), extracellular fluid analysis for lymphedema assessment(s)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 6 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic cardiovascular services 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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
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).
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.
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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
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
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2022-11-01 Note Incorrectly printed in 2023 codebook as 93745 per CPT Errata & Technical Corrections.
2015-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
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