2025 CPT code 93318
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Cardiology - Echocardiography Cardiovascular System Feed
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for monitoring during surgery; real-time 2D image acquisition and interpretation for continuous cardiac function assessment and immediate therapeutic intervention.
Modifiers 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only) may apply depending on who performs each part of the service.
Medical necessity is established when real-time assessment of cardiac function is crucial for immediate decision-making and management during a surgical or interventional procedure. This is often necessary in high-risk cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgeries.
The cardiologist or other qualified physician is responsible for performing the TEE, interpreting the results, and guiding the surgical team based on the real-time echocardiographic findings.
In simple words: The doctor uses a special ultrasound test (transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE) to watch the heart's function during surgery.A thin tube with a camera on the end is guided down the throat to get clear images of the heart, which helps the doctor make quick decisions and adjust treatment during the operation.
This CPT code encompasses the performance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for continuous monitoring and assessment of cardiac function.It includes the placement of the probe, real-time acquisition of two-dimensional (2D) images, interpretation of these images, and ongoing assessment of dynamically changing cardiac function to guide immediate therapeutic measures.The procedure involves using a flexible tube with a transducer at the tip, inserted down the throat and into the esophagus to visualize the heart's anatomy and dynamics. The 2D images are displayed on a video screen, allowing for immediate decisions regarding intravascular volume and drug administration. This code should not be reported with 93355.
Example 1: A patient undergoing complex cardiac surgery requires continuous monitoring of their heart function.The anesthesiologist requests intraoperative TEE using code 93318 to assess the effects of surgery and medication on the heart., During a major vascular procedure, the surgeon notices hemodynamic instability.A TEE (93318) is utilized to immediately evaluate cardiac function and aid in prompt therapeutic intervention., A patient undergoing a lung transplant procedure experiences a drop in blood pressure and altered heart rhythm.Intraoperative TEE is conducted (93318) to assess the cardiac response and provide real-time guidance for management.
Detailed documentation should include the indications for the procedure, the patient's condition before, during, and after the TEE, all images and measurements obtained, and the physician's interpretation and report with clinical correlations to the surgical findings.
** The information provided does not contain additional notes. It is imperative to verify all coding and billing practices with your local and national guidelines.
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text and would require accessing specific payment databases or fee schedules.RVUs vary significantly based on location, payer, and other factors.
- Global Days: This is not a surgical procedure with a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC can be used when reporting only the technical component of the procedure.This is typically billed by the facility where the procedure is performed.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedule information is not available here.Consult a relevant fee schedule database for historical data.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Anesthesiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center