Summary & Overview
CPT 93317: Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), 2D Rotating/Multiple Transducers
CPT code 93317 represents transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) performed with multiple transducers or a rotating transducer to obtain two-dimensional cardiac images. This advanced imaging code captures high-resolution views of the heart’s valves and chambers and is commonly used to evaluate congenital abnormalities, structural heart disease, and valve function. Nationally, TEE is a critical tool for cardiology diagnostics and perioperative assessment, influencing clinical decision-making for interventions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The summary highlights payer coverage considerations and common billing practices relevant to hospital and outpatient imaging sites.
Readers will learn the clinical context for 93317, where the service is typically performed, and which payers are central to reimbursement discussions. The publication provides benchmarks and policy updates where available, alongside practical billing context such as common modifiers and service-line placement. Data not available in the input will be noted explicitly in relevant sections. This overview equips coding, billing, and clinical staff with a clear, national-level understanding of the role and billing context of CPT code 93317.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 93317 describes a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedure using multiple transducers or a rotating transducer to obtain two-dimensional (2D) images for visualization of the heart. The procedure is designed to provide detailed views of the heart’s valves and chambers to assess function and identify congenital or other structural heart disease.
Service Type: Diagnostic imaging — transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
Typical Site of Service: Hospital inpatient or outpatient imaging suite, cardiac catheterization lab, or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with a history of atrial fibrillation and suspected valvular dysfunction is admitted for evaluation of prosthetic valve integrity and possible thrombus. The cardiology team schedules transesophageal echocardiography to obtain high-resolution two-dimensional images of the heart and valves. The patient fasts for 6–8 hours, intravenous access is established, and conscious sedation is planned. A credentialed physician trained in TEE introduces a multi-plane or rotating transducer via the oropharynx into the esophagus to acquire multiplanar cardiac images, focusing on left atrial appendage, mitral and aortic valve structure and function, and any intracardiac masses. Images are recorded and interpreted by the performing physician; a written report documents indications, findings, and any complications. Typical billing uses 93317 for TEE performed with multiple or rotating transducers providing 2D imaging, with possible use of modifier 26 for the professional component if the facility bills technical component separately.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation and report separate from facility technical component. |