Cardiology Coding Alert

Remember that CPT guidelines require you to attach these codes only to comprehensive EPS code 93620, Siniscalchi says.

Bill 2 Types of Mapping Procedures

You should know how to code the two types of "mapping" the physician uses after inducing an arrhythmia. The "mapping" process allows the physician to pinpoint the source of the electrical abnormality, coding experts say.

What to do: If the cardiologist performs 2-D mapping, which involves mapping the tachycardia, you should list +93609 (Intraventricular and/or intra-atrial mapping of tachycardia site[s] with catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites to identify origin of tachycardia [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).

When the cardiologist performs 3-D EP mapping, submit +93613 (Intracardiac electrophysiologic 3-dimensional mapping [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).

Caution: Because 2-D and 3-D mapping have many similarities, you should rely on the physician's documentation to help you choose between the two codes. "Our policy is that if the EP physician does not specify either '3-D mapping' or the specific catheter he utilized, such as ESI EnSite NavX, then we bill for 2-D mapping," Karl says.

Whichever mapping code you select, you should attach these add-on codes to only three codes:

Best bet: Report only one mapping code per session, Siniscalchi says.