Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I bill for interrogation of biventricular pacemakers with one lead each in the right ventricle, left ventricle, and right atrium? 

Texas Subscriber

Answer: CPT® defines a multiple lead pacemaker as one that has “pacing and sensing function in three or more chambers of the heart.” So for a patient with a biventricular device involving one lead in each ventricle and another lead in one atrium, you should use codes such as these:

• 93288, Interrogation device evaluation (in person) with analysis, review and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional, includes connection, recording and disconnection per patient encounter; single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system
  
• 93294, Interrogation device evaluation(s) (remote), up to 90 days; single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system with interim analysis, review(s) and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional
  
• 93296, Interrogation device evaluation(s) (remote), up to 90 days; single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system or implantable defibrillator system, remote data acquisition(s), receipt of transmissions and technician review, technical support and distribution of results.