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CPT code 78451 represents a myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) study using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This nuclear stress test evaluates blood flow to the heart at rest and under stress (exercise or pharmacologic) to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemia, or infarction.

As a cardiac surgery billing specialist for over a decade, I’ve seen how a single coding error can delay reimbursements by months. Let’s break down CPT code 33533 the code for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using a venous graft only and tackle common pitfalls, related codes, and billing strategies to keep your claims clean.

CPT code 92920 is used for coronary stent placement during cardiac catheterization, including imaging guidance and angioplasty if performed. Proper coding requires vessel-specific modifiers (LD, LC, RC) and bundling rules—angiography (93458) should not be billed separately unless done in a distinct session.

As a cardiology coder, I’ve seen too many clinics lose money on stress test billing. Here’s the real-world breakdown of 93015:
It’s not just a treadmill test it’s a medical doctor hands-on valuation of your patient’s heart under stress.

Whether you’re a cardiology coder, a billing specialist, or a healthcare provider, understanding the ins and outs of 93458 is non-negotiable. Miss one modifier? Denied. Forget prior authorization? Denied. Mix it up with similar codes? You guessed it denied.

CPT code 93306 is used for billing a complete transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with real-time 2D imaging, M-mode, spectral Doppler, and color Doppler. This non-invasive ultrasound evaluates heart structure, function, blood flow, and valve performance. It does not include contrast agents.