Question:
What code would I use for the following scenario: A patient had a history of bilateral lower extremity pain. Ultrasound of the right and left lower extremity was performed using a low-frequency linear array transducer. Color Doppler duplex evaluation of common femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal veins performed. The CFV through the popliteal veins were evaluated with both compression and response to augmentation and Valsalva. There is no evidence of DVT.
Answer:
In this scenario, it is best to code 93970. As a reminder, all duplex scans require both color flow Doppler and spectral analysis. To assign duplex codes, both spectral analysis and color flow must be documented. Code 93970 describes a complete bilateral study. If the requirements for a complete bilateral study are not met, code 93971 is reported for a limited bilateral, or unilateral, study.
93970 | Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; complete bilateral study |
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