CPT 93308Cardiology

Tte f-up or lmtd

CPT 93308 is a follow-up or limited transthoracic echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) used to evaluate specific heart structures or functions without performing a complete comprehensive study.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$94.45

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

0.53

PE RVU (NF)

2.35

MP RVU

0.04

Total RVU

2.92

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Clearly document which specific cardiac structures or parameters are being evaluated and why a limited study is appropriate rather than comprehensive (93306)
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 40-60%; medical necessity documentation is the primary reason for 93308 denials versus downgrades to unlisted or upgrades disputed
Reference the prior comprehensive echocardiogram date and findings in the report to establish the follow-up nature of the limited study
Impact: Strengthens medical necessity justification and can reduce payer inquiries by 30-45% based on audit data
Never bill 93308 on the same date as 93306 without modifier 59 and exceptional documentation explaining why both studies were medically necessary
Impact: CCI edits bundle these codes; unbundling without proper justification risks recoupment of full $94.45 plus potential fraud investigation
Ensure the written report specifies it is a 'limited' or 'focused' study in the header and documents fewer views/structures than comprehensive protocol
Impact: Audit survival rate increases by 50% when report clearly indicates limited scope versus comprehensive evaluation
Bill 93308 globally when both professional and technical components are performed by the same group; split with 26/TC modifiers only when components are truly separate
Impact: Improper modifier use can delay payment 15-30 days and trigger claims for return of overpayments averaging $35-55 per claim
Verify that limited study protocols meet minimum required elements: targeted 2D imaging with documentation of specific structures evaluated and clinical question answered

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CPT 93308 and 93306?

93306 is a complete comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram evaluating all cardiac structures, chambers, valves, and hemodynamics, while 93308 is a limited or follow-up study targeting specific structures or parameters. 93306 reimburses at approximately $180-220, while 93308 reimburses at $94.45 for Medicare in 2025. The key distinction is scope: comprehensive versus focused evaluation.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 93308 in 2025?

Medicare pays $94.45 for CPT 93308 in 2025 based on the national average non-facility rate. This amount is the same for both facility and non-facility settings. The total RVU is 2.92 multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary slightly by geographic location based on local adjustments.

Can you bill 93308 and 93306 on the same day?

Generally no, these codes should not be billed together on the same day as they are considered bundled services. In rare circumstances where both a comprehensive and limited study are medically necessary on the same date (such as pre- and post-intervention), modifier 59 must be appended with exceptional documentation. Most payers will deny one service as duplicate or bundled without clear justification.

What documentation is required for CPT 93308?

Documentation must clearly state the study is limited or focused, specify the clinical indication, identify which cardiac structures were evaluated, include 2D imaging findings, reference prior studies if follow-up exam, contain measurements of targeted parameters, and include physician interpretation with signature. The report should explicitly indicate it is not a comprehensive study to avoid coding confusion.

How often can you bill CPT 93308 for the same patient?

There is no specific Medicare frequency limit for 93308, but medical necessity must be documented for each study. Commercial payers may have varying policies, with some limiting frequency to every 30-90 days without prior authorization. Repeat studies require documentation of clinical changes, symptom progression, treatment adjustments, or monitoring protocols that justify repeated limited evaluations.

What are the RVU values for CPT 93308 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 93308 has a Work RVU of 0.53, Practice Expense RVU of 2.35 (both facility and non-facility), and Malpractice RVU of 0.04, for a total RVU of 2.92. These values are multiplied by the conversion factor of 32.3465 to calculate the Medicare payment of $94.45.

Do I need modifier 26 or TC when billing 93308?

Use modifier 26 when billing only the professional component (physician interpretation) and TC when billing only the technical component (equipment, sonographer). If your practice or facility performs both components, bill 93308 globally without modifiers. Split billing is common when hospital employs sonographer but outside cardiologist reads the study, with the hospital billing TC and physician billing 26.