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CPT code 93573 is used when a physician performs imaging of the pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to both lungs) using contrast dye injected through a catheter. This bilateral procedure captures images of both the left and right pulmonary arteries during cardiac catheterization.
RVU breakdown
Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High
Billing tips
Verify bilateral imaging documentation before billing 93573; if only one pulmonary artery was selectively catheterized and imaged, use unilateral code instead
Impact: Prevents $30-40 in overpayment recoupment and potential audit flags for upcoding
Bill 93573 separately from the base catheterization code (93451-93461 series); these are separately reportable when both right heart cath and selective pulmonary angiography are performed
Impact: Captures full reimbursement of $59.19 that would otherwise be lost if bundled incorrectly
Ensure catheter report explicitly documents selective engagement of pulmonary arteries and injection in each artery; non-selective imaging from RV does not qualify
Impact: Prevents downcoding or denial; selective placement is required element for 93573 reimbursement
When performed in hospital setting, apply modifier 26 for professional component billing to avoid duplicate payment issues with facility claims
Impact: Ensures proper payment split and prevents 100% claim denial for duplicate billing
Document medical necessity clearly in procedure indication; routine imaging without specific clinical indication for bilateral selective angiography increases denial risk
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 15-25% when strong clinical justification is present in medical record
Cross-reference imaging report timestamps and catheter position documentation to support bilateral imaging claim; both left and right pulmonary systems must be documented
Impact: Audit defense documentation that supports the 1.83 total RVUs claimed for bilateral procedure
Common denials
Insufficient documentation of bilateral selective catheterization - only one pulmonary artery documented or only non-selective imaging performed
How to appeal: Submit complete catheter report with fluoroscopic images showing selective catheter placement in both right and left pulmonary arteries with contrast injection documentation. Provide angiography interpretation report confirming bilateral imaging. Request reconsideration with highlighted documentation of bilateral selective technique.
Medical necessity denial - payer determines bilateral selective pulmonary angiography not supported by clinical indication or diagnosis codes
How to appeal: Submit detailed letter of medical necessity explaining clinical rationale for bilateral imaging (e.g., suspected bilateral PE, pulmonary hypertension assessment requiring bilateral pressure and imaging data). Include relevant prior studies, clinical presentation, and treatment plan dependent on bilateral findings. Cite current guidelines supporting bilateral imaging for the specific diagnosis.
Bundling denial with base cardiac catheterization code - payer inappropriately bundles 93573 into comprehensive catheterization code
How to appeal: Reference CPT coding guidelines and CCI edits showing 93573 is separately reportable from base catheterization codes. Submit documentation proving selective pulmonary angiography was additional distinct service beyond basic right heart catheterization. Consider modifier 59 if appropriate to indicate distinct service.
Duplicate billing denial when both professional and technical components billed without proper modifiers in facility setting
How to appeal: Clarify billing intent with corrected claim using modifier 26 (professional) or TC (technical) as appropriate. Submit documentation showing physician interpretation separate from facility technical services. Request claim reprocessing with proper component designation rather than global service billing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2025 Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 93573?
The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 93573 is $59.19 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.83 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality and payer contract.
Can CPT 93573 be billed with a right heart catheterization code?
Yes, CPT 93573 can be billed separately with right heart catheterization codes (93451-93461 series) when selective pulmonary artery angiography is performed in addition to the base catheterization procedure. The codes are not bundled according to CCI edits, but documentation must support both services as medically necessary and separately performed.
What is the difference between CPT 93573 and 93568?
CPT 93573 represents bilateral selective pulmonary artery angiography (both left and right pulmonary arteries), while 93568 is not a valid comparison code. For unilateral selective pulmonary angiography, different coding would apply. Always verify that bilateral imaging was actually performed before using 93573.
Does CPT 93573 require modifier 26 in a hospital setting?
Yes, when performed in a hospital facility setting, physicians should typically append modifier 26 to CPT 93573 to indicate they are billing only for the professional component (interpretation). The hospital bills separately for the technical component. Billing the global service in a hospital setting may result in denial for duplicate billing.
What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 93573?
Common supporting diagnoses include pulmonary hypertension (I27.0, I27.2), pulmonary embolism (I26.x series), congenital pulmonary artery anomalies (Q25.x), chronic thromboembolic disease (I27.82), and pre-operative evaluation for pulmonary vascular disease. Documentation must clearly link the bilateral selective angiography to the specific diagnostic question.
How many RVUs is CPT code 93573 worth in 2025?
CPT 93573 has a total of 1.83 RVUs in 2025, consisting of 1.3 work RVUs, 0.45 practice expense RVUs, and 0.08 malpractice RVUs. These RVU values are the same for both facility and non-facility settings for this code.
Can CPT 93573 be billed bilaterally or with modifier 50?
No, CPT 93573 already describes a bilateral procedure (both right and left pulmonary arteries). Modifier 50 should not be appended as it would represent incorrect coding for duplicate bilateral designation. The code descriptor inherently includes imaging of both pulmonary arterial systems.