September 16, 2021

Question:
When are diagnostic angiograms and an intervention (angioplasty, stent, etc.) both billable?

Answer:
Diagnostic angiograms are separately billable during an intervention if no adequate or prior adequate angiogram exists. Code diagnostic angiograms only if:

• no previous angiogram is available,
• the prior angiogram is not adequate to diagnose the disease, or
• the patient’s condition changed either since the last angiogram or during the procedure.

Remember that some endovascular procedures are valued to include diagnostic angiograms, so even if the above conditions are met, the diagnostic studies are not separately billable. Always check each codes description to see if a diagnostic angiogram is separately reportable.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 09/16/21.