Ask Dr. Z

We would like any clarification you could give us for codes 93975 and 93976.  AMA code 93975 reads "duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs; complete study". For a complete study, 93975, is this per organ studied or per area (abdomen, pelvis, scrotal, and/or retroperitoneal)? To also be considered a complete study, does the arterial inflow and the venous outflow have to be imaged? The techs are saying that imaging the arteries of one organ is a complete study, (i.e., mesenteric artery only or renal artery only). The Society of Vascular Ultrasound website imaging guidelines do not mention imaging of the veins in the mesenteric study and even have it named mesenteric artery duplex imaging. Their renal imaging guidelines do mention venous imaging on one line only. I understand these are imaging guidelines. We would like clarification on what is needed for a complete study. The "arterial inflow and venous outflow" says 'and', not 'or', so do both need imaged? Or is it okay to just do the artery and call this a complete study? I have looked in several locations for material addressing these certain issues and can not find anything. Any help would be appreciated.