2025 CPT code 93308
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedure - Echocardiography Cardiology Feed
Follow-up or limited transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) without spectral or color flow Doppler.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be used as appropriate.
Medical necessity is established when a limited echocardiogram is justified by a specific clinical question that does not require a complete echocardiogram assessment. Documentation supporting the medical necessity must be provided to justify the procedure.
The physician's responsibility includes performing the ultrasound, interpreting the images, and generating a written report.This might involve patient preparation, applying gel, manipulating the transducer to obtain optimal views, and analyzing hemodynamics and structural integrity, based on the focused clinical question.
In simple words: The doctor performs a limited ultrasound of the heart to check a specific problem. This is not a full heart exam but focuses on a particular area of concern.The results are written in a report.
This CPT code encompasses a transthoracic echocardiographic examination that is limited in scope, focusing on a specific clinical concern.It does not involve a complete evaluation of all cardiac structures as seen in a comprehensive echocardiogram. The procedure includes real-time two-dimensional (2D) imaging, with M-mode recording when performed.Doppler studies, if performed, are reported separately using codes 93320 and/or 93325.The service includes image acquisition, measurements, interpretation, and a written report detailing findings and relevant measurements.
Example 1: A patient presents with chest pain. A limited echocardiogram is performed to evaluate for left ventricular dysfunction or valvular abnormalities specifically related to the chest pain complaint., A patient with a history of heart failure returns for a follow-up echocardiogram to assess the response to medication and monitor for worsening left ventricular function, focusing only on specific structural and functional elements., A patient with known aortic stenosis undergoes a limited echocardiogram to specifically evaluate the aortic valve and measure the pressure gradient across the valve for assessing disease progression.
* Detailed clinical indication for the limited study.* Images obtained during the study (permanent storage).* Report containing findings, measurements, and interpretation.* Reason for not evaluating all structures if applicable.
** If Doppler is performed as part of this limited study, codes 93320 (Pulsed wave and/or continuous wave Doppler echocardiography) and/or 93325 (Color flow Doppler echocardiography) should be reported in addition to 93308.Appropriate modifiers should be applied as necessary based on the clinical circumstances and payer guidelines.
- Revenue Code: 0024 (Echo), 0452 (Diagnostic imaging)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location, facility type, and payer. Consult the appropriate fee schedule for current values.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is used when reporting the technical component, if applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary based on payer and location. Consult the appropriate fee schedule for historical data.
- Specialties:Cardiology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center