Cardiology Coding Alert

READER QUESTION ~ Tackle This Tilt Table Challenge

Question: My cardiologist performed a tilt table test, and he waited 72 hours to repeat the test. For the repeat test, he inserted a transvenous ventricular pacemaker wire and a right radial arterial catheter in preparation for complications. How should I code this?

Virginia Subscriber

Answer: If your cardiologist places a temporary pacemaker for prophylactic reasons, you should not report this service. You have no indications for it.

You should report 93660-26 (Evaluation of cardiovascular function with tilt table evaluation, with continuous ECG monitoring and intermittent blood pressure monitoring, with or without pharmacological intervention; professional component) for the tilt table test.