CPT 93317Cardiology

Echo transesophageal

CPT code 93317 covers the professional work of performing a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), where a specialized ultrasound probe is guided down the esophagus to capture detailed images of the heart from behind.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$83.78

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

1.84

PE RVU (NF)

0.63

MP RVU

0.12

Total RVU

2.59

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify whether you are billing for placement/manipulation (93313-93318) or interpretation only (93317). 93317 is an add-on code to probe placement codes and cannot be billed alone.
Impact: Incorrect code selection causes 100% denial; 93317 requires base code like 93313, 93314, or 93315 to be billable
Always link appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis codes documenting medical necessity for TEE over standard transthoracic echo, such as inadequate acoustic windows, endocarditis evaluation, or pre-cardioversion assessment.
Impact: Prevents medical necessity denials which account for 25-30% of TEE claim rejections; maintains full $83.78 reimbursement
Document whether study was complete or limited and which cardiac structures were visualized and assessed in the interpretation report, including all required elements per ASE guidelines.
Impact: Complete documentation supports full reimbursement and prevents downcoding or modifier 52 reductions of 20-50%
For intraoperative TEE during cardiac surgery, ensure proper coordination between anesthesia and cardiology billing to avoid duplicate claim submission for the same interpretation service.
Impact: Prevents duplicate billing denials and compliance issues; clarifies which provider bills 93317 versus surgical package inclusion
Submit claims with facility indicator appropriate to setting (facility vs non-facility) though 93317 has same rate ($83.78) for both in 2025, proper place of service coding prevents processing delays.
Impact: Reduces claim rejections and expedites payment processing by 7-10 days on average
When TEE is performed for intraoperative monitoring during non-cardiac surgery, ensure documentation clearly establishes medical necessity beyond routine monitoring to support separate reimbursement.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 93317 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 93317 is $83.78 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 2.59 total RVUs (1.84 work RVU, 0.63 practice expense RVU, 0.12 malpractice RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 93317 be billed alone or does it require another code?

CPT 93317 is an add-on code that cannot be billed alone. It must be reported with a base TEE code such as 93313 (placement of probe only), 93314 (image acquisition), or 93315 (placement and image acquisition). The 93317 represents only the physician interpretation and report component.

What is the difference between CPT 93317 and 93312?

CPT 93312 includes the complete TEE service with probe placement, image acquisition, and interpretation as a comprehensive package. CPT 93317 represents only the interpretation and report component, used when services are split among providers or for separate professional component billing. Use 93312 for complete service by one provider, 93317 for interpretation only.

When should modifier 26 be used with CPT 93317?

Modifier 26 is generally redundant with 93317 since this code already represents professional component work only. However, some payers may require modifier 26 for clarity in facility settings to explicitly indicate professional-only billing. Check individual payer guidelines, though most accept 93317 without modifier 26.

How many RVUs is CPT code 93317 worth in 2025?

CPT 93317 has 2.59 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 1.84 work RVUs, 0.63 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.12 malpractice RVUs according to the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Can 93317 be billed with a transthoracic echo on the same day?

Yes, 93317 can be billed with transthoracic echo codes on the same day when both studies are medically necessary and documented as distinct services. Use modifier 59 on 93317 to indicate it is a separate procedure. Documentation must support medical necessity for both imaging modalities, such as inadequate TTE windows requiring TEE for complete assessment.

Is CPT 93317 included in the surgical package for cardiac procedures?

This depends on the specific procedure and payer policy. For cardiac surgery, intraoperative TEE may be considered inclusive to the surgical package unless documented as separately indicated for diagnostic purposes beyond routine monitoring. Non-cardiac surgery TEE is more likely separately billable. Always verify payer-specific bundling rules and document distinct diagnostic medical necessity when billing separately.