2025 CPT code 93882
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic - Non-Invasive Cerebrovascular Arterial Studies Medicine Services and Procedures > Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies Feed
Duplex scan of extracranial arteries; unilateral or limited study.
Modifiers such as -26 (professional component) and -TC (technical component), and others as per guidelines, may be applicable depending on the provider's role and the type of service performed.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established when there is clinical suspicion of extracranial arterial disease (e.g., based on symptoms such as TIAs, stroke symptoms, or risk factors) and the information obtained from this study is essential to inform clinical management decisions.This should be documented appropriately in the medical record.
The clinical responsibility for this procedure typically involves a physician (e.g., cardiologist, vascular surgeon, neurologist) who orders and interprets the study, as well as a sonographer or other qualified technician who performs the ultrasound examination and acquires the images.
- Medicine Services and Procedures > Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies
- Non-Invasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies > Non-Invasive Cerebrovascular Arterial Studies
In simple words: The doctor uses ultrasound to check the blood flow in the arteries in the neck and head on one side or a limited portion of both sides. This helps find blockages or narrowings that could lead to a stroke.
This CPT code encompasses a duplex ultrasound scan of the carotid and/or vertebral arteries on one side of the head and neck, or a limited bilateral study.The procedure utilizes ultrasound to evaluate arterial blood flow, identifying stenosis (narrowing) or other abnormalities. The scan combines traditional B-mode ultrasound imaging with Doppler techniques (color and spectral analysis) to visualize vessel structure and quantify blood flow characteristics.A limited study may involve fewer vessels than a complete bilateral study (93880).This code is appropriate when only one side of the head and neck is examined, or when a complete bilateral examination is not performed due to clinical limitations. This would include fewer arteries than those typically included in a complete bilateral examination, as well as other reasons, at the discretion of the physician.
Example 1: A patient presents with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). A unilateral carotid duplex scan (93882) is performed to evaluate the carotid arteries on the side suspected to be affected based on the patient's symptoms and physical examination findings., A patient with known carotid artery stenosis on one side undergoes follow-up to assess the progression of the disease.A unilateral study (93882) is appropriate for this monitoring, focusing solely on the previously affected artery., A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a stroke. The physician elects to perform a limited bilateral study (93882) due to time constraints or other clinical factors. The examination focuses on specific arteries suspected of involvement based on the symptoms presented. This is only appropriate if 2 or more of the arteries normally included in a full examination are excluded.
Documentation should include the patient's history, physical examination findings, the specific arteries examined (clearly stating unilateral or limited study), the ultrasound images, and the interpreting physician's report including measurements, waveforms, and a clinical assessment of the findings.
** Always ensure that the documentation accurately reflects the extent of the study performed (unilateral vs. limited bilateral) to ensure proper coding and reimbursement.
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary based on factors such as geographic location, facility type (non-facility vs. facility), and other payer-specific considerations.Consult your local Medicare fee schedule and other relevant payer guidelines for the most accurate RVU data.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component modifier (-TC) may be used if applicable based on the type of facility and the services provided. The interpretation and reporting are the professional component (-26).
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information is unavailable and varies greatly depending on location and payer.Consult fee schedules from your relevant payer for historical rates.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Neurology, and other relevant specialties may utilize this code.
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center