CPT® Code 93317

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a specialized imaging technique used to evaluate congenital cardiac anomalies. This procedure involves the use of a miniature high-frequency ultrasound transducer that is mounted on the tip of a flexible tube, or probe. The probe is carefully passed through the patient's mouth and advanced into the esophagus, where it is positioned behind the heart. This unique positioning allows the transducer to direct ultrasound waves directly into the heart, providing a clearer and more detailed view than traditional echocardiography methods. The sound waves emitted by the transducer bounce off the heart structures and are reflected back to the transducer. A computer then processes these sound waves and converts them into real-time images of the heart, which are displayed on a video screen. TEE is particularly beneficial for obtaining comprehensive evaluations of the heart's anatomy and function, as it allows for multiple views by manipulating the transducer within the esophagus. This enables healthcare professionals to assess the left and right chambers of the heart, the valves, the pericardium, and other critical structures such as the aorta, pulmonary vessels, and vena cava. Additionally, TEE employs selective M-mode recording, also referred to as T-M mode, which provides specific time-motion information from a stationary beam superimposed on the two-dimensional image. In this mode, depth is represented along the vertical axis while time is displayed on the horizontal axis, making it particularly useful for precise cardiac measurements, including septal wall thickness and valve timing. It is important to note that CPT® Code 93317 is specifically designated for instances where only image acquisition and a written report of findings are performed, without the inclusion of probe placement or image acquisition by the physician. For procedures involving probe placement and image acquisition, CPT® Code 93315 should be used, while CPT® Code 93316 is applicable when only the transesophageal probe placement is conducted.