Wiki Code 93971 vs76937

[pammatukonis@aol.com]

Hi,
I've just started coding for vascular surgeons. When my guys are preparing to do an AV fistula and do an ultrasound to determine the appropriate vessels, should I code a 93971 or 76937? Thanks.

 

[donnajrichmond]

Hi,
I've just started coding for vascular surgeons. When my guys are preparing to do an AV fistula and do an ultrasound to determine the appropriate vessels, should I code a 93971 or 76937? Thanks.

when you say "to do an AV fistula" what do you mean? placing a new graft? creating a fistula? or doing a fistulagram of a previously existing graft/fistula.

93971 is a diagnostic evaluation
76937 is ultrasound for vascular access - and requires specific documentation as listed in the code description
another option, depending on what exactly is being done is G0365 - vessel mapping of both arteries and veins by ultrasound prior to placing a new dialysis graft.