Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; limited study

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow is a specialized vascular ultrasound study designed to assess the blood flow dynamics within the abdominal, pelvic, and scrotal regions, as well as the retroperitoneal organs. This procedure employs both B-mode imaging and Doppler ultrasound techniques to provide a comprehensive evaluation of vascular structures. During the examination, a clear gel is applied to the skin to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. A B-mode transducer is then placed on the skin, generating real-time images of the arteries and veins. The Doppler component of the transducer is crucial as it measures the velocity and direction of blood flow, allowing for the detection of abnormalities such as reduced blood flow or complete vessel obstruction. The ultrasound utilizes ultrasonic sound waves that penetrate the skin and reflect off the blood vessels, with the Doppler probe capturing the movement of blood cells. The reflected sound waves are amplified, producing audible signals that vary in pitch based on blood flow conditions. A computer processes these sound waves, creating color-coded images that illustrate the speed and direction of blood flow, as well as any potential obstructions. Additionally, spectral Doppler analysis is conducted to assess anatomical details and hemodynamic function, including the identification of narrowing or plaque within the blood vessels. Following the procedure, the physician interprets the findings and documents them in a written report. For a comprehensive evaluation, the code 93975 should be used, while the code 93976 is designated for a limited study.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of blood flow in the abdominal, pelvic, scrotal, and retroperitoneal regions is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Evaluation of Vascular Abnormalities Assessment of potential vascular abnormalities such as stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysms in the arteries and veins.
  • Investigation of Symptoms Investigation of symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, or unexplained vascular issues that may suggest compromised blood flow.
  • Monitoring of Known Conditions Monitoring of known vascular conditions, including peripheral vascular disease or previous vascular interventions.
  • Assessment of Tumors Evaluation of blood flow to tumors or masses located in the abdominal or pelvic regions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment of blood flow. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Preparation of the Patient The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area of interest is exposed. A clear gel is applied to the skin over the region to be examined, which aids in the transmission of sound waves during the ultrasound.
  • Application of the B-mode Transducer A B-mode transducer is placed on the skin, allowing for the generation of real-time images of the arteries and veins. The technician or physician moves the transducer over the area to capture various angles and views of the vascular structures.
  • Utilization of Doppler Technology The Doppler probe integrated within the B-mode transducer is activated to assess blood flow. This probe emits sound waves that reflect off moving blood cells, providing information on the direction and velocity of blood flow within the vessels.
  • Image and Sound Wave Analysis The reflected sound waves are processed by an amplifier, converting them into audible signals. Changes in pitch indicate variations in blood flow, such as reduced flow or complete obstruction. The computer generates color-coded images that visually represent blood flow dynamics.
  • Conducting Spectral Doppler Analysis Spectral Doppler analysis is performed to evaluate the anatomy and hemodynamic function of the vessels. This analysis helps identify any narrowing or plaque formation within the blood vessels, providing critical information for diagnosis.
  • Review and Interpretation After completing the duplex scan, the physician reviews the images and Doppler data, synthesizing the findings into a comprehensive report that details the results of the study.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for a duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not typically require recovery time. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the examination. The physician will provide the patient with the results of the study, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the findings. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary next steps in their care plan.

Short Descr VASCULAR STUDY
Medium Descr DUP-SCAN ARTL FLO ABDL/PEL/SCROT&/RPR ORGN LMT
Long Descr Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; limited study
Status Code Active Code
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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I3F - Echography/ultrasonography - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 196 - Diagnostic ultrasound of abdomen or retroperitoneum
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.
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
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
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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).
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
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.
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.
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
ME The order for this service adheres to 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
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
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
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
U6 Medicaid level of care 6, as defined by each state
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"