Billing and Coding: Peripheral Venous Ultrasound

Medicare covers peripheral venous Doppler ultrasound (notably CPT 93971) for clinical indications such as preoperative evaluation of venous reflux in chronic venous insufficiency, with 93971 reported as either a limited bilateral or a complete unilateral study. Hand-held Doppler devices without analyzable output are considered part of the physical exam and are not separately billable; multiple duplex and noninvasive physiologic studies for the extremities listed (CPT 93970, 93971, 93922, 93923, 93924-93931) cannot be billed on the same day. Detailed, legible documentation including a signed final report, supporting ICD-10 coding, stored images, and a treating provider order (42 CFR 410.32(a)) are required to substantiate payment; refer to LCD L33693 for reasonable and necessary criteria.

"Doppler ultrasound (CPT 93971) is the current standard for preoperative evaluation of venous reflux in patients with chronic venous insufficiency."