2025 CPT code 93970
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diagnostic - Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies Medicine Services and Procedures Feed
Duplex scan of lower extremity veins, complete bilateral study, including responses to compression and other maneuvers.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate.Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures) and other relevant modifiers may be used based on the circumstances of the service.
Medical necessity is established by symptoms suggesting venous disease, such as pain, swelling, discoloration, or prior history of DVT or venous insufficiency.Pre-operative assessment to determine suitability for a procedure also justifies the code.
The physician performs the ultrasound examination, interprets the results, and documents the findings in the patient's record. This includes applying gel to the skin, maneuvering the ultrasound probe over the veins, analyzing the Doppler waveforms, and assessing the patient's response to maneuvers such as compression.
- Medicine Services and Procedures
- Medicine Services and Procedures > Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies
In simple words: The doctor uses ultrasound to take detailed pictures and measurements of the veins in both legs. This includes checking blood flow and how the veins react when squeezed. The results are used to diagnose problems with the leg veins.
This CPT code encompasses a comprehensive duplex scan of the lower extremity veins bilaterally.The procedure involves both imaging and non-imaging components. Imaging includes B-mode ultrasound, providing a two-dimensional grayscale image of the vascular structure.Non-imaging components consist of Doppler analysis of bidirectional blood flow, spectral analysis, and assessment of the patient's response to maneuvers such as compression. The study is considered complete and bilateral.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. The physician orders a 93970 to assess for venous thrombosis and evaluate the patency of the deep veins., A patient is being evaluated for chronic venous insufficiency. The 93970 helps assess the venous valves, identify reflux, and determine the severity of venous insufficiency., Pre-operative assessment of a patient scheduled for lower extremity surgery is performed.The 93970 helps to identify any venous abnormalities that could influence surgical planning.
Complete bilateral venous duplex scan images, Doppler waveform tracings, measurements of venous flow parameters (e.g., velocity, diameter), documentation of patient response to compression maneuvers, and a clear interpretation of the findings with clinical correlation.
** The complete bilateral nature of the study is crucial for accurate coding.Incomplete studies should be coded appropriately (e.g., 93971).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may be used when only the technical component is performed by a facility.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Phlebology, Radiology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center