Coronary Vessels
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of a coronary vessel or graft (codes 92978 and 92979) is eligible for payment when performed with an approved diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention. The allowance for IVUS includes all transducer manipulations and repositioning within the specific vessel being examined both before and after therapeutic intervention (e.g., stent placement).
However, if the angioplasty, atherectomy, or placement of a stent is not eligible for payment, or if the intravascular ultrasound is performed independently, then the intravascular ultrasound is not covered. A participating, preferred, or network provider can bill the member for the denied service.
Non-coronary Vessels
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of non-coronary vessels (codes 37250, 37251, 75945, 75946) is considered investigational. The utility of IVUS in non-coronary vessels has not yet been determined in the clinical setting. A participating, preferred, or network provider can bill the member for a service denied as investigational.
Date Last Reviewed: 05/2005
Refer to Medical Policy Bulletin S-82 for additional information on Intra-Arterial/Intravenous Therapeutic Procedures.
Refer to Medical Policy Bulletin S-95 for information on Percutaneous Transluminal Atherectomy.
Refer to Medical Policy Bulletin S-105 for information on Intracoronary Stents.
Description
Intravascular ultrasound is an imaging technique in which a miniaturized ultrasound transducer and rotational mirror are mounted on the tip of a catheter and inserted directly into an artery or vein to produce two-dimensional tomographic images or three dimensional computer-enhanced reconstructions of planar IVUS images. Intravascular ultrasound is intended to image the internal lining of coronary and non-coronary vessels prior to, during, and following procedures, including but not limited to angioplasty, atherectomy, or placement of a stent. | 
