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93880 CPT Code: Carotid Ultrasound Billing

Last Updated: March 5, 2026

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Extracranial cerebrovascular arterial studies (Carotid Ultrasounds) are vital for stroke prevention. The complete bilateral study is billed using CPT 93880.

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Complete (93880) vs Limited (93882)

93880 requires a complete bilateral evaluation (both the left and right carotid arteries). Do not append Modifier 50 (Bilateral) to this code, as it is inherently bilateral.

If the physician only scans one side (unilateral), or performs a limited follow-up scan, you must bill the limited code 93882.

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Medical Necessity

Routine screening of asymptomatic patients is not covered. You must have a diagnosis such as Carotid Bruit (R09.89), Syncope (R55), or Transient Ischemic Attack (G45.9).

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NCCI Edits

Check NCCI edits carefully if billing other vascular ultrasounds (like transcranial dopplers) on the same day to avoid mutually exclusive denials.

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