Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a specialized imaging technique used to visualize the interior of blood vessels, specifically non-coronary vessels, during diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic interventions. This procedure provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the vessel, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the structure and condition of the vessel walls and surrounding tissues. The IVUS technique reveals the various layers of the blood vessel, including the outer covering known as the adventitia, the middle layer referred to as the media, the inner endothelial layer called the intima, and the lumen, which is the open channel through which blood flows. During the procedure, a catheter equipped with a miniaturized ultrasound transducer is carefully advanced over a guidewire to the targeted area for evaluation. Once positioned, the transducer emits ultrasound waves that create images of the vessel's interior. These images are then analyzed by the physician, who compiles a comprehensive written report detailing the findings from the IVUS examination. It is important to note that CPT® Code 37250 is utilized for the initial vessel evaluated with IVUS, while CPT® Code 37251 is designated for each additional vessel assessed during the same procedure.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The indications for performing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) on non-coronary vessels include the following:
The procedure for performing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) on non-coronary vessels involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care following an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or vascular injury, at the catheter insertion site. The patient may be observed for a short period to ensure stability before being discharged. Instructions regarding activity restrictions, potential symptoms to watch for, and follow-up appointments are provided to the patient. The physician will review the IVUS findings with the patient and discuss any necessary further interventions or treatments based on the results of the imaging.
| Short Descr | IV US EACH ADD VESSEL ADD-ON | Medium Descr | IV US NON-C VSL DX EVAL&/THER IVNTJ EA VSL | Long Descr | Intravascular ultrasound (non-coronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention; each additional vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I3F - Echography/ultrasonography - other | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 197 - Other diagnostic ultrasound |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.