Who performs the ABI Exam?

The following is a partial list of medical practices performing the ABI examination.

Primary Care: Many primary care practices are now screening and diagnosing patients who are over 50 years of age with diabetes, have high blood pressure, smoke or have previous heart disease. The screening process should include patients who have a family history of heart attack or stroke. The primary care physician has the most exposure to patients who generally "feel good" and show little or no symptoms.

Internal Medicine: Many patients of internal medicine physicians are over 50 years of age and a large number in this group are diabetic, and the number of diabetic patients is growing at alarming rates. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages all diabetic patients over the age of 50 to be tested for PAD. Younger diabetics with additional risk factors should also be tested.

Hospitals: Many hospitals are now encouraging the ABI exam as the first step in diagnosing PAD. The ABI exam can confirm the need for additional and more comprehensive examinations. In addition, hospitals are now encouraging health screenings that include ABI testing.

Cardiology Offices: P.A.D. is associated with a four fold increased risk of heart attack, and two to three fold increased risk of stroke. Screening for P.A.D. is a natural extension for patients with coronary or carotid artery disease. Also, endovascular treatment for P.A.D. can be performed by the interventional cardiologist.

Radiology Department: Since the ABI exam is a precursor to more extensive imaging examinations performed by the radiology lab, it is a natural addition to this department. Also, endovascular treatment for P.A.D. can be performed by an interventional radiologist.

Endocrinology Offices: Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system; the majority of diagnosed diabetic patients are managed by endocrinologist. ADA encourages that all diabetic patients over the age of 50 to be screened for PAD with an ABI exam.

Podiatry Offices: A large percentage of patients in Podiatry practices are diabetic and have leg pain. The ABI examination will aid in the care of this high risk group.

National and Local Screenings: Several national organizations including Legs for Life have established national ABI screenings along with many local community screenings.

What is the market awareness and reimbursement for the ABI?

With the large number of people affected with P.A.D. and the seriousness of the disease, detection and diagnosis is coming to the forefront of medical practices. The exam is reimbursable under CPT code 93922 at an average of $100 per exam, (The reimbursement and requirements vary between states).

Several national organizations including American Heart Association (AHA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have recommended and instituted national campaigns promoting the awareness of P.A.D. and the importance of getting an ABI exam. Bristol Myers Squibb/Sanofi has initiated a national advertising campaign educating the consumer on the seriousness of P.A.D. and urging them to get tested for P.A.D. Organizations like the Society for Interventional Radiology (SIR), the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF), and the American Vascular Association (AVA) all sponsor public awareness programs and P.A.D. screening.

Summit Doppler Systems offers two reimbursable solutions for performing the ABI exam (The LifeDop ABI and the Vista AVS). Low equipment cost and high reimbursement can lead to a quick return on investment for performing the ABI exam.