New add-on code 93352 for Bubble Studies???

[Erica1217]

What does everyone think of using the new 2009 code, 93352, for Bubble Studies?

All literature I've seen says that the agitated saline is considered an "echocardiographic contrast agent".

Thanks!
=) Erica

 

[jerseygirl66]

I agree.

 

[Erica1217]

I ran it by my cariologist's nurse and she told me the bubble studies are done during non-stress echoes (e.g. 93306) NOT during the stress echos. Since code 93352 is specific to contrast injected during stress echos, it would not apply.

 

[jerseygirl66]

I think I was asleep at the wheel. You are correct Erica. A bubble study is not used during stress. I was think of Dobutamine. Nice to see you around... I used to see you on MAB.

 

[cpayne72]

93352

cannot use 93352 for bubble study, as this is for contrast with stress echo only, a bubble study is with saline and is not done as stress echo, coding for office setting should be 93306/J7040 or J7042, depends on which saline you use.