Ask Dr. Z

A cardiothoracic surgeon is requesting digital waveforms and pressures when also performing bilateral radial artery mappings prior to CABG. The assessment of the RA is for possible use as a conduit for CABG vs. saphenous vein or other grafts.

The digit-brachial index (DBI) is the upper extremity equivalent of the lower extremity ankle-brachial index. Is it appropriate then to report both 93930 (duplex scan of upper extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study) -and- an ABI (93922 limited -or- 93923 complete) when pressure measurements and waveforms are obtained of the digits when measured and documented both with and without radial artery compression maneuvers?