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Quantitative carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atheroma evaluation is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology in conjunction with specialized software to assess the thickness of the carotid artery walls and the presence of atheromas. Atheromas are pathological accumulations of various materials, including macrophage cells, lipids, calcium, and fibrous connective tissue, which develop within the intima media layer of the arterial wall. This buildup can lead to inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the arteries, potentially impeding blood flow to critical areas such as the brain. The ultrasound examination provides valuable insights into the condition of the carotid arteries, serving as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and offering prognostic information regarding cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, CIMT measurements can be instrumental in tracking the progression of atherosclerosis over time and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. The procedure involves imaging both the right and left carotid arteries, and it is distinct from traditional ultrasound studies, as it not only detects stenosis but also quantifies the extent of soft plaque accumulation in segments of the arteries that may not show clear signs of atherosclerotic disease.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The quantitative carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atheroma evaluation is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly in assessing cardiovascular health and risk factors. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for quantitative carotid intima media thickness and carotid atheroma evaluation involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement and assessment of the carotid arteries. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the quantitative carotid intima media thickness and carotid atheroma evaluation, patients may resume their normal activities immediately, as the procedure is non-invasive and typically does not require any recovery time. The healthcare provider will discuss the results with the patient, including any findings related to CIMT and atheroma presence. Based on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment options may be recommended to address any identified cardiovascular risks. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the implications of the findings and to establish a management plan if necessary.
| Short Descr | CAROTID INTIMA ATHEROMA EVAL | Medium Descr | CAROTID INTIMA MEDIA & CAROTID ATHEROMA EVAL BI | Long Descr | Quantitative carotid intima media thickness and carotid atheroma evaluation, bilateral | Status Code | Non-Covered Service | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | 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 | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I4B - Imaging/procedure - other | MUE | 1 |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | 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 | 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 |
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| 2021-01-01 | Note | Guidelines changed. |
| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |
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