CPT 93017Cardiology

Cardiovascular stress test

CPT 93017 covers the professional interpretation and report of a cardiovascular stress test, where a physician reviews the test results and documents their medical findings.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$37.20

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

PE RVU (NF)

1.13

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

1.15

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Bill 93017 only when providing interpretation service at a facility that owns the equipment; if your practice owns equipment and provides full service, use 93015 (global code) instead
Impact: Using wrong code (93015 vs 93017) can result in $100+ payment difference and denial risk
Ensure written interpretation report is completed and signed before claim submission, documenting heart rate response, blood pressure response, ECG findings, symptoms, and clinical impression
Impact: Missing documentation is the #1 cause of audit recoupment for this code
Verify place of service code matches the location where technical component was performed (typically POS 22 for outpatient hospital or POS 11 for office)
Impact: Incorrect POS codes trigger automated denials requiring costly appeals
Do not bill 93017 with 93016 or 93018 by the same provider on the same date - these components bundle into 93015 when performed together
Impact: Unbundling attempt will result in denial and potential fraud investigation
Link appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis codes that support medical necessity (chest pain, CAD screening, pre-operative clearance, arrhythmia evaluation)
Impact: Weak or non-specific diagnosis codes increase denial rate by 30-40%
For Medicare patients, ensure ordering physician NPI is included and that test meets appropriate use criteria to avoid downcoding
Impact: Missing ordering physician information can delay payment 30+ days

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CPT 93017 and 93015?

CPT 93017 is the professional component only (interpretation and report), while 93015 is the global code that includes supervision, interpretation, and report of the complete stress test. Use 93017 when you only interpret tests performed at a facility that owns the equipment. Use 93015 when your practice owns the equipment and provides the complete service.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 93017 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment for CPT 93017 is $37.20 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.15 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of $32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic location based on local wage indices.

Can I bill CPT 93017 with modifier 26?

No, you should not append modifier 26 to CPT 93017. This code already represents only the professional component of the stress test service. Adding modifier 26 is redundant and will likely cause claim denial. The technical component is separately reported with CPT 93018.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 93017?

Common supporting diagnoses include chest pain (R07.9), coronary artery disease (I25.10), abnormal ECG (R94.31), dyspnea (R06.02), palpitations (R00.2), family history of CAD (Z82.49), and follow-up after cardiac procedures. Pre-operative clearance (Z01.818) may be covered depending on payer and surgical risk level.

How many RVUs is CPT 93017 worth in 2025?

CPT 93017 has 1.15 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 0.00 work RVUs, 1.13 practice expense RVUs, and 0.02 malpractice RVUs. The work RVU is zero because this is solely an interpretation service without direct patient interaction during the test.

Can CPT 93017 and 93018 be billed together by the same provider?

No, the same provider should not bill both 93017 (professional component) and 93018 (technical component) for the same patient on the same date. When one provider/practice performs both components, the global code 93015 should be used instead. Component codes are only appropriate when services are split between different providers or entities.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 93017?

Required documentation includes a complete written interpretation report signed by the physician, documenting the stress protocol used, vital signs and ECG findings throughout the test, symptoms, reason for termination, peak exercise parameters, and clinical impression. The report must be in the medical record and completed contemporaneously with the service date.