CPT® Code 0346T

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The CPT® Code 0346T refers to a specialized ultrasound procedure known as elastography, which is performed to assess the elastic properties of soft tissue. This imaging technique is particularly valuable in diagnosing various conditions affecting organs such as the liver, breast, thyroid, prostate, as well as muscles and tendons. Elastography utilizes different ultrasound (US) techniques to create both qualitative and quantitative image maps that provide insights into the mechanical properties of the target tissue. One common method, strain elastography, employs real-time two-dimensional visualization to generate an elastographic map by applying low-frequency compression through a handheld ultrasound transducer or by utilizing physiological movements of the body, such as breathing or pulsation. This technique is primarily utilized in musculoskeletal imaging. Another method, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, involves the internal excitation of tissue via a focused ultrasound pulse, resulting in a qualitative color-coded or grayscale image that reflects tissue stiffness. ARFI is particularly useful for imaging deeper tissues, including the liver, thyroid, and breast. Additionally, shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) is employed to produce tissue images based on the sideways travel of ultrasound waves generated by the transducer, making it suitable for deep tissue imaging. A variant of SWEI, known as transient vibration controlled elastography, utilizes short bursts of vibration to enhance imaging of the liver. Overall, elastography is a sophisticated imaging modality that aids in the evaluation of soft tissue characteristics, contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy.