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The CPT® Code 93981 refers to a duplex scan of the arterial inflow and venous outflow of the penile vessels, specifically designated as a follow-up or limited study. This procedure is a specialized vascular ultrasound that assesses the blood flow dynamics within the penile vessels, which is crucial for diagnosing various conditions related to erectile dysfunction and other vascular issues. The duplex scan employs both B-mode imaging and Doppler ultrasound techniques to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the penile vasculature. During the procedure, a clear gel is applied to the skin to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. The B-mode transducer is then positioned on the skin, capturing real-time images of the arteries and veins. Concurrently, the Doppler component of the transducer measures the velocity and direction of blood flow within these vessels. The ultrasound technology utilizes high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the skin and reflect off the blood vessels, allowing for detailed visualization. The Doppler effect is utilized to assess blood flow, where changes in pitch indicate variations in blood flow rates, including potential obstructions. The resulting images are processed by a computer, which enhances the visualization of blood flow speed and direction, as well as identifies any vascular abnormalities such as narrowing or plaque formation. The physician conducting the study will analyze the duplex scan results and provide a written interpretation, which is essential for guiding further clinical decisions. For a more comprehensive evaluation, the complete study is coded as 93980, while the follow-up or limited study is appropriately coded as 93981.
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The duplex scan of the arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels, coded as CPT® 93981, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for performing a duplex scan of the penile vessels involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care for the duplex scan of the penile vessels typically involves minimal recovery time, as the procedure is non-invasive. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the scan. The physician will discuss the results with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. It is important for patients to understand the implications of the results and any further evaluations or treatments that may be recommended. Additionally, any specific instructions regarding follow-up appointments or additional testing will be provided at this time.
| Short Descr | PENILE VASCULAR STUDY | Medium Descr | DUP-SCAN ARTL INFL&VEN O/F PEN VSL F-UP/LMTD STD | Long Descr | Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels; follow-up or 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 | 197 - Other diagnostic ultrasound |
| 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. | 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. | 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). | 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 | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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