CPT 93355Cardiology

Echo transesophageal (tee)

CPT code 93355 covers transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), an ultrasound imaging technique where a probe is passed down the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart's structure and function.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$213.49

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

4.66

PE RVU (NF)

1.61

MP RVU

0.33

Total RVU

6.6

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify whether you are billing globally or splitting professional/technical components with modifier 26/TC based on your facility arrangement
Impact: Incorrect component billing can result in 100% claim denial or significant overpayment recoupment
Document medical necessity clearly when TEE is performed in addition to transthoracic echo (93306-93308) on the same day, as payers may question duplicative imaging
Impact: Inadequate justification leads to denial of the $213.49 TEE payment with modifier 59 rejection
When TEE is performed intraoperatively for guidance during cardiac surgery, ensure proper coordination with surgeon billing to avoid duplicate claims
Impact: Coordination prevents bundling denials and ensures 93355 is appropriately separated from surgical global packages
Separately bill moderate sedation codes (99151-99153) when appropriate, as sedation is no longer bundled with TEE as of recent coding changes
Impact: Additional $50-150 in reimbursement for documented sedation services that were previously included
Use diagnosis codes that support medical necessity such as valve disorders (I34-I37), atrial fibrillation (I48), endocarditis (I33), or stroke evaluation (I63)
Impact: Appropriate ICD-10 coding reduces denial rate by approximately 25-30% based on medical necessity reviews
For TEE performed during electrophysiology procedures or ablations, append modifier 59 and document that TEE provided distinct diagnostic information beyond procedural guidance
Impact: Proper modifier usage can recover $213.49 that would otherwise be bundled into EP procedure payment

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Frequently asked questions

What is the 2025 Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 93355?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment rate for CPT 93355 is $213.49 for both facility and non-facility settings, based on 6.6 total RVUs and the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can I bill CPT 93355 with a transthoracic echocardiogram on the same day?

Yes, you can bill both TEE (93355) and transthoracic echo (93306-93308) on the same day if medically necessary, but you must append modifier 59 to the TEE and document why transthoracic imaging was inadequate and TEE provided essential additional diagnostic information.

What RVU value does CPT 93355 have for 2025?

CPT 93355 has a total RVU of 6.6 for 2025, consisting of 4.66 work RVU, 1.61 practice expense RVU, and 0.33 malpractice RVU.

Do I need modifier 26 when billing 93355 in a hospital setting?

Use modifier 26 only when billing the professional component (physician interpretation) separately in a hospital where the facility bills the technical component. If you're billing the complete service or in an office setting where you own the equipment, bill 93355 without a modifier.

Is moderate sedation included in CPT 93355 reimbursement?

No, moderate sedation is no longer bundled with CPT 93355. You may separately bill conscious sedation codes 99151-99153 when providing and documenting appropriate sedation services during the TEE procedure.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 93355?

Common supporting diagnoses include atrial fibrillation (I48.x), mitral valve disorders (I34.x), aortic valve disorders (I35.x), infective endocarditis (I33.x), embolic stroke (I63.x), congenital heart defects (Q20-Q24), and prosthetic valve evaluation (Z95.2-Z95.4).

Can CPT 93355 be billed during cardiac surgery or ablation procedures?

Yes, but TEE performed as intraoperative monitoring may be bundled into the surgical global package. To bill separately, document that TEE provided distinct diagnostic information beyond procedural guidance, append modifier 59, and ensure the indication supports separate reimbursement per payer policies.