Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Codes

CPT code 93318 (intraoperative monitoring) is considered part of an anesthesia service and should not be billed separately by the anesthesiologist.

CPT code 93314 or 93317 where the provider is reporting the actual manipulation of the probe to obtain images and to provide an interpretation and report. Code 93317 is reserved for congenital anomalies only.

For add-on CPT codes 93319, 93320, 93321 and 93325, the ICD-10-CM codes reported should be the same as those reported for the base codes to which they are attached.

CPCA Coding rules

• If a transthoracic echocardiogram (93317 or 93318) and an electrocardiogram (EKG) were performed on the same day, only bill for the transthoracic echocardiogram. Always verify whether the EKG was performed in conjunction with the transthoracic echocardiogram.
• Medi-cal plans USE 93318 (MOD 26)
• Commercial plans use 93317, 93325, 93320 (ALL WITH MOD 26)

Transesophageal echocardiography, also known as TEE, is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the cardiac health of pediatric patients. This involves the gentle insertion of a small tube through the throat and into the esophagus while the child is under sedation. This procedure enables healthcare professionals to obtain clear visualization of the heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiography utilizes sound waves to evaluate cardiac function. A transducer, a small device, emits sound waves that are beyond the range of human hearing. As these waves are directed towards the chest, they are reflected back from the heart. The transducer captures these echoes, and a computer generates detailed images of the heart. In the case of TEE, placing the transducer within the esophagus allows for enhanced visualization of the heart, as the sound waves do not have to penetrate through the skin or muscle.