Summary & Overview
CPT 93587: Venovenous Collateral Vein Imaging During Heart Catheterization
CPT code 93587 captures catheter-directed vein imaging conducted at the same session as a heart catheterization to evaluate venovenous collaterals originating at or above the heart in patients with congenital cardiac defects. This code matters nationally because it documents a focused intraprocedural diagnostic assessment that can influence procedural decision-making, resource use in catheterization laboratories, and downstream care planning for congenital heart disease.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for the code, typical sites of service, and the service type. The publication outlines commonly reported modifiers and payer considerations where available, presents benchmark and coverage patterns when reported by payers, and summarizes policy and coding guidance relevant to intraprocedural imaging during congenital heart catheterization. The content is intended for billing professionals, clinical coders, and policy analysts seeking a national-level understanding of how CPT code 93587 is used and reimbursed across major payers.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 93587 describes intra-procedural vein imaging performed during the same session as a heart catheterization for one or more congenital cardiac defects. The procedure specifically assesses venovenous collaterals that originate at or above the heart using a catheter-based imaging technique.
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Service type: Catheter-based diagnostic or imaging procedure performed in conjunction with congenital heart catheterization
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Typical site of service: Hospital cardiac catheterization laboratory or specialized interventional cardiology suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A pediatric patient with known congenital heart disease (for example, single-ventricle physiology after staged palliation) is brought to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for diagnostic catheterization and evaluation of suspected venovenous collaterals contributing to hypoxemia or cyanosis. Under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia, the interventional cardiology team performs standard right and/or left heart catheterization to measure pressures and oxygen saturations. At the same session as the heart catheterization, a catheter-based venous angiographic study is performed to image venovenous collateral vessels that originate at or above the heart, using contrast injection via a venous catheter, fluoroscopic imaging, selective catheter manipulation, and digital subtraction angiography as indicated. The workflow includes preprocedure verification, vascular access (commonly femoral or jugular venous access), selective catheter placement into suspected collateral source veins, contrast injections to outline collaterals, hemodynamic measurements, documentation of findings, and determination of whether additional interventions (for example, coil or device occlusion) are required. Postprocedure monitoring occurs in a recovery unit with attention to hemodynamics, access site care, and oxygenation. Billing captures the imaging of venovenous collaterals performed at the same session as heart catheterization using 93587.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 |