CPT code 93315 refers to a special heart test which uses a tube-like device to take pictures of the heart from the esophagus, typically used to check for heart problems that have been present since birth. CPT 93315 represents “Transesophageal echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies; including probe placement, image acquisition, interpretation and report.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves putting a probe, similar to a slim camera, down a patient’s swallowing tube (esophagus) to get very clear images of the heart. The pictures taken help doctors look for any heart defects that a person was born with. The documented procedure includes preparing the patient, inserting the device, capturing the necessary images, and then interpreting the results to create a report. The main focus here is on checking for congenital (birth-related) heart problems, and it doesn’t include corrective treatments or surgeries.
Common Names:
- Transesophageal Echo for Congenital Issues
- Congenital TEE
- Heart Ultrasound via Esophagus
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 2.69.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Echo through esophagus – check congenital
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Transesophageal echocardiography for birth heart defect detection
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is commonly used for patients, both children and adults, suspected of having heart defects they were born with. For example, a child who gets tired easily during play might undergo this test to see if a congenital heart problem is the cause. It can also be used for adults who have had previous treatments for heart issues but need detailed imaging as part of their check-up.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- Q21.1: A code that indicates a hole in the heart’s walls that separate the chambers, known as an atrial septal defect.
- Q20.9: Represents unspecified congenital heart defects, meaning the exact nature of the defect isn’t clearly defined but is present from birth.
- Q21.2: For ventricular septal defect, which is a condition where there’s a hole between the heart’s lower chambers.
Summary
In summary, code 93315 describes a procedure that involves inserting a probe through the esophagus to take detailed heart images, mainly to identify congenital heart problems. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 93315 include Q21.1 (Atrial septal defect) and Q20.9 (Unspecified congenital heart defect).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.