CPT 93313Cardiology

Echo transesophageal

CPT code 93313 covers the professional interpretation and report for a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), an ultrasound of the heart performed by inserting a probe through the esophagus. This is the physician's work reading and analyzing the images, not the actual procedure of performing the echo.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$10.67

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

0.26

PE RVU (NF)

0.05

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

0.33

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always verify the primary procedure code (93312 or intraoperative codes) is billed first, as 93313 is an add-on code and will deny if billed alone
Impact: Prevents 100% denial; 93313 cannot stand alone and requires appropriate primary code
For hospital-based cardiologists, append modifier 26 to indicate professional component only, as the facility owns the equipment
Impact: Ensures correct component billing; prevents overpayment recoupment and compliance issues
Document the complete interpretation including assessment of all cardiac chambers, valves, septum, pericardium, and any pathological findings with measurements
Impact: Meets Medicare documentation requirements; reduces audit risk and supports medical necessity
When billing for intraoperative TEE monitoring, ensure time-based documentation supports the extent of monitoring and number of interpretations
Impact: Supports billing multiple units or extended monitoring codes; critical for surgical cases
Verify payer-specific policies on bundling with surgical procedures, particularly cardiac surgery where TEE may be considered inclusive
Impact: Some payers bundle TEE into surgical global packages; prevents denials and reduces A/R days
For stress echocardiography with TEE (rare), ensure separate medical necessity documentation as most payers consider this investigational
Impact: Prevents denials for experimental procedures; may require prior authorization

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CPT 93313 and 93312?

CPT 93312 is the primary code for transesophageal echocardiography including probe placement, image acquisition, and interpretation. CPT 93313 is an add-on code used for additional image acquisition including probe manipulation to obtain comprehensive views. 93313 is always billed with 93312 or other primary TEE codes, never alone.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 93313 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment for CPT 93313 is $10.67 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on 0.33 total RVUs (0.26 work RVU, 0.05 PE RVU, 0.02 MP RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic location based on locality adjustments.

Can CPT 93313 be billed alone without another procedure code?

No, CPT 93313 is designated as an add-on code (indicated by the '+' symbol in CPT manual) and must be billed with a primary TEE procedure code such as 93312. If billed alone, it will be denied by all payers as it represents additional work beyond the base procedure.

Do I need modifier 26 when billing 93313 in a hospital setting?

Yes, hospital-based physicians performing only the interpretation should append modifier 26 to indicate they are billing only the professional component. The hospital bills the technical component separately. Office-based physicians with their own equipment bill the global service without a modifier.

Is prior authorization required for CPT 93313?

Prior authorization requirements vary by payer and are typically tied to the primary procedure code (93312) rather than the add-on code 93313. However, some Medicare Advantage and commercial payers require pre-authorization for all TEE procedures. Always verify with the specific payer before scheduling.

What documentation is required to support billing CPT 93313?

A complete written interpretation report must be in the medical record, signed and dated by the interpreting physician. The report must include systematic assessment of all cardiac structures, measurements, comparison to prior studies, and a clinical impression. The documentation must demonstrate the additional work of probe manipulation and image acquisition beyond the base procedure.

Can 93313 be billed multiple times on the same date of service?

Generally no, CPT 93313 is billed once per encounter as an add-on to the primary TEE code. However, if a patient undergoes completely separate TEE procedures on the same day (e.g., pre-intervention and post-intervention with distinct indications), modifier 76 or 77 may be appropriate with strong documentation of medical necessity for the repeat study.