CPT code 93970 refers to an ultrasound test used to check the veins in your arms or legs. It helps doctors see how well blood is flowing and if there are any blockages. CPT 93970 represents “Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; complete bilateral study.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure uses sound waves to create images of your veins, looking for problems like blood clots or blockages. It is a complete test that checks veins in both arms or both legs. During the procedure, the technician might gently press on your skin to get clearer images. This test does not involve surgery and doesn’t include any treatment, just the imaging part.
Common Names:
- Duplex Venice Ultrasound
- Extremity Vein Study
- Bilaterial Vein Doppler
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.7.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Bilateral extremity vein ultrasound
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Duplex scan of both arm/leg veins
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often done for people who have symptoms like swelling or pain in their legs or arms, which could mean there’s a problem with blood flow, like a clot. It’s commonly used for older adults or people with conditions that increase the risk of clots, like recent surgery or long periods of immobility.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I82.401: Blood clot in an unspecified deep vein of the right lower limb
- I87.2: Chronic venous insufficiency, where veins have trouble sending blood from the limbs back to the heart
- R22.41: Localized swelling, mass, and lump of the upper limb, which may require investigation
Summary
In summary, code 93970 describes a special ultrasound test to check for blood flow issues in the veins of both arms or legs. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 93970 include I82.401 (Blood clot in a deep vein of the leg) and I87.2 (Chronic vein problems).
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.