Coding for myocardial strain imaging on the facility side

Q.

Can you please tell me if we can assign CPT^® code 93356 for myocardial strain imaging on the facility side (i.e., UB04 claim form)?

A.

This CPT code 93356 can and should be reported on the claim form, but understand it is packaged under OPPS and not separately paid. CPT code 93356 is an add-on code and Medicare does not reimburse add-on codes separately to outpatient hospitals, however other payors may reimburse it, but Medicare does not. 

It should be reported on the claim even for Medicare because packaged codes are used for Transitional Corridor Payments (TOPs) and outlier payments, and for future rate setting. 

Payors other than Medicare may allow it, but as an add-on code, it must be billed with one of the following primary CPT codes – 93303, 93304, 93306, 93307, 93308, 93350, 93351.