53 and Going Strong: New CPT code 93306 for Echocardiograms Explained


CPT codes are first published in 1966 and developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA). To use CPT codes, numerical diagnostic coding likes ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM is conjoined.


There are three types of CPT codes:


  1. Category I-

Category 1 CPT- the five-digit numeric codes denote a procedure that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This code covers medical practices that are performed worldwide. Codes range from 00100-99499.


  1. Category II-

In the medical field, The Category 2 CPT is used to measure performances. These alpha-numerical codes cover the quality of the service. The use of this medical code set is optional.


  1. Category III-

These provisional codes developed for new technologies and services. Not widely performed and the FDA did not approve it. But these codes help researchers to track brand new services and technologies.


In 1997, the American Medical Association (AMA) added codes to the echo-cardiology section to further define echocardiograms. CPT codes 93306 and 93303 are related to echocardiography.


CPT code 93306 and 93303 are broken down-


  • CPT code for an echocardiogram is 93306. This code represents a complete echocardiogram that is real time with image documentation (2D), M mode recording. It is performed with spectral Doppler and colour flow Doppler. The average fee amount is around $210-$250.
  • CPT code 93303 points to transthoracic echocardiography for congenital cardiac anomalies.

When to use code 93306 and 93303?


The basic rules to keep in mind-


  1. When an echocardiogram is performed, in many cases, it is noticed that congenital defect is detected. In that case, one should use code 93303.
  2. In some cases, when a congenital echo is ordered, but a congenital anomaly is not detected, one has to use code 93306.

The differences and application of these two codes often resulted in numerous debates. According to the American College of Cardiology, the codes for the congenital heart disease can be used when CHD: Congenital heart disease known to be present on the report. In the absence of a CHD, the regular codes should be applied.