Reader Questions:
How to Report Tissue Doppler Imaging
Published on Mon Nov 22, 2004
Question: How should I report tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)? Is this just a regular echocardiogram that cardiologists use on patients with BI-V pacers/ICD?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: Tissue Doppler imaging is a relatively new technology that helps to pinpoint which patients will benefit from biventricular therapy. In this capacity, TDI assesses and quantifies left ventricle (LV) wall motion dyssynchrony.
TDI's technology is unique from that of a traditional echo with Doppler because it measures ventricular muscle movement rather than movement of blood cells.
You should typically report 93799 (Unlisted cardiovascular service or procedure) in addition to your regular codes for 2-D echo (93307, Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation [2D] with or without M-mode recording; complete), Doppler (+93320, Doppler echocardiography, pulse wave and/or continuous wave with spectral display [list separately in addition to codes for echocardiographic imaging]) and color flow (+93325, Doppler echocardiography color flow velocity mapping [list separately in addition to codes for echocardiography]).
One strategy is to write a great cover letter to submit with your unlisted-procedure code claims, but keep in mind that even with the proper coding approach and a slick cover letter, you may find that reimbursement varies until policies fully address TDI. - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were prepared with the assistance of Jim Collins, ACS-CA, CHCC, CPC, president of Compliant MD Inc. and compliance manager for several cardiology groups around the country; and reviewed by Jerome Williams Jr., MD, FACC, a cardiologist with Mid Carolina Cardiology in Charlotte, N.C.
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