CPT® Code 93571

Add-On Code

Intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve measurement (coronary vessel or graft) during coronary angiography including pharmacologically induced stress; initial vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 93571 refers to the procedure of measuring intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve during coronary angiography. This measurement is specifically performed on a coronary vessel or graft and includes the use of pharmacologically induced stress. The term "initial vessel" indicates that this code is utilized for the first vessel evaluated in a session, and it is important to note that it should be reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code for coronary angiography. The procedure involves the use of a miniaturized Doppler or pressure transducer that is mounted on a guidewire, which is advanced through an existing catheter to a location just distal to the coronary vessel or graft being assessed. This allows for the collection of baseline blood flow velocity and/or pressure data. To induce stress, a medication is injected directly into the coronary artery, prompting the heart to beat more forcefully and rapidly. During this induced state of hyperemia, further measurements of blood flow velocity and/or pressure are taken. The results from these measurements are then compared to the baseline data, enabling healthcare professionals to calculate the difference between the two states. This difference is critical for determining the severity of any stenosis or lesions present in the coronary artery or graft. For additional vessels evaluated during the same session, the corresponding code 93572 should be used.