Positive news for the echocardiography society: For the first time in decades, an echocardiography application can be reimbursed by Medicare.
Using the CPT Code +93356, healthcare institutions and offices can bill for strain imaging using speckle tracking technology.

Strain imaging can be used as a tool to evaluate myocardial deformation. The information obtained can assist in diagnosing numerous cardiac abnormalities. Consequently, it is easily incorporated within routine echo procedures. The move to reimburse strain examinations is a clear sign to how it strengthens the purpose of ultrasound in cardiac diagnostics. Thus, investing in intelligent software that performs strain is more important than ever.

Reimbursement for strain imaging A clear signal that strengthens echocardiography

Up to an additional $40* can be billed when strain imaging is performed in conjunction with a complete transthoracic echocardiogram.

Off-cart AutoSTRAIN with TOMTEC

Investing in software like TOMTEC allows facilities to participate in this reimbursement program with a very quick return-of-investment, even if the current ultrasound equipment doesn’t support strain analysis.

AutoSTRAIN is available as multi-vendor off-cart solution and can be used independently from the ultrasound cart and can even help analyze prior studies where strain was not initially applied.
The automated and reproducible results provided by AutoSTRAIN allow you to analyze and monitor subclinical changes over time. This ability is extremely important in patients at risk for developing heart disease; especially for specific populations such as cardio-oncology and CHF patients.
AutoSTRAIN provides results within seconds and therefore optimizes workflows in stressful and hectic times without losing quality of care.

If you want to learn more about the reimbursement of strain imaging:
Please visit the ASE Website: https://www.asecho.org/2020-CMS/   or
watch the ASE webinar at youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urRAZjPZqo

Please see the following AutoSTRAIN publications and AutoSTRAIN features:
A simplified D-shaped model of the mitral annulus to facilitate CT-based sizing before transcatheter mitral valve implantation. Blanke P, Dvir D, Cheung A, Ye J, Levine RA, Precious B, Berger A, Stub D, Hague C, Murphy D, Thompson C, Munt B, Moss R, Boone R, Wood D, Pache G, Webb J, Leipsic J. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr. 2014 Nov-Dec;8(6):459-67.

Percutaneous mitral repair with the MitraClip system: safety and midterm durability in the initial EVEREST (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge REpair Study) cohort. Feldman T, Kar S, Rinaldi M, Fail P, Hermiller J, Smalling R, Whitlow PL, Gray W, Low R, Herrmann HC, Lim S, Foster E, Glower D; EVEREST Investigators. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009 Aug 18;54(8):686-94.

¹AutoStrain is part of TOMTEC-ARENA. TOMTEC-ARENA is a trademark of TOMTEC Imaging Systems GmbH.

*https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/PhysicianFeeSched/index