CPT 93598Cardiology

Car outp meas drg cath chd

CPT code 93598 covers cardiac output measurement using dye dilution methods during heart catheterization procedures. This diagnostic test measures how efficiently the heart pumps blood through the body.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$62.43

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

1.44

PE RVU (NF)

0.45

MP RVU

0.04

Total RVU

1.93

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

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Always verify that cardiac output measurement was actually performed and documented separately from routine pressure measurements during catheterization
Impact: Prevents incorrect coding and potential audit liability; ensures capture of legitimate $62.43 per procedure
93598 is an add-on code and must be billed with a primary cardiac catheterization code (93451-93533); it cannot be billed alone
Impact: Billing without primary procedure code results in automatic denial; delays payment and requires resubmission
Document the specific method used (thermodilution vs dye dilution) and the calculated cardiac output values in liters/minute and cardiac index
Impact: Strengthens medical necessity documentation and reduces audit risk; specific values demonstrate service was actually performed
When cardiac output is measured multiple times during the same session, bill 93598 only once unless there is a distinct clinical indication for repeat measurement after an intervention
Impact: Multiple units without documented intervention or clinical change typically denied; use modifier 76 with strong documentation if billing multiple units
For pediatric congenital cases with shunt calculations, ensure documentation clearly shows cardiac output measurement was performed in addition to shunt run calculations
Impact: Shunt calculations require cardiac output measurement but may be coded separately; proper documentation supports both codes and can add $62.43+
Check LCD/LCA policies for your MAC regarding cardiac output measurement medical necessity criteria, especially for routine diagnostic catheterizations

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 93598?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 93598 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 93598 is $62.43 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.93 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 93598 be billed alone or does it require a primary procedure code?

CPT 93598 is an add-on code and cannot be billed alone. It must be reported with a primary cardiac catheterization procedure code from the 93451-93533 range. Billing 93598 without a primary code will result in automatic denial.

What is the difference between CPT 93598 and routine pressure measurements during catheterization?

CPT 93598 specifically covers formal cardiac output measurement using indicator dilution methods (thermodilution or dye dilution), which calculates the volume of blood pumped per minute. Routine pressure measurements, which are included in the base catheterization codes, only measure pressures at various cardiac locations without quantifying cardiac output.

How many times can 93598 be billed during a single catheterization procedure?

Typically, 93598 should be billed only once per catheterization session. Multiple units may be billed with modifier 76 if cardiac output is measured, an intervention is performed, and then cardiac output is re-measured to assess response, but this requires strong documentation of medical necessity for the repeat measurement.

What documentation is required to support billing CPT 93598?

Documentation must include the specific method used (thermodilution or dye dilution), the calculated cardiac output value in liters per minute, cardiac index, injection and sampling sites, clinical indication for the measurement, and how the results influenced patient management decisions.

Is CPT 93598 appropriate for pediatric congenital heart disease cases with shunt calculations?

Yes, 93598 is appropriate and commonly used in pediatric congenital cases when cardiac output is measured by indicator dilution method. Shunt calculations require cardiac output measurements, and proper documentation of the cardiac output determination supports billing 93598 in addition to the primary catheterization code.

What are the work RVUs for CPT code 93598?

CPT 93598 has 1.44 work RVUs, 0.45 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.04 malpractice RVUs, for a total of 1.93 RVUs in 2025 according to the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.