Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: My cardiologist evaluated an implantable dual lead defibrillator system from a remote location. They assessed all device functions, including the programmed parameters, the leads, the battery, the device’s capture and sensing function, any ventricular tachyarrhythmia therapy, and the patient’s underlying heart rhythm. They then evaluated the data and provided written reports. The reporting period was 85 days. Which code should I report?

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Answer: You should report 93295 (Interrogation device evaluation(s) (remote), up to 90 days; single, dual, or multiple lead implantable defibrillator system with interim analysis, review(s) and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional) on your claim.

Report 93295 only once per 90 days.

Don’t miss: Never report 93295 in conjunction with 93289 (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 transvenous implantable defibrillator system, including analysis of heart rhythm derived data elements).

If you need to report the professional portion of the remote monitoring of pacemakers, use 93294 (Interrogation device evaluation(s) (remote), up to 90 days; single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system, or leadless pacemaker system with interim analysis, review(s) and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional). The professional portion of a service is usually considered everything that the provider does, including the supervision, interpretation, and report.

On the other hand, for just the technical portion, report 93296 (Interrogation device evaluation(s) (remote), up to 90 days; single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system, leadless pacemaker system, or implantable defibrillator system, remote data acquisition(s), receipt of transmissions and technician review, technical support and distribution of results), which you can use for both pacemaker and defibrillator remote monitoring. The technical component is the work of the technician who obtains the data and also the overhead expenses necessary to perform the service such as electricity, computer, and internet connection.

Remote interrogation device evaluation defined: Providers perform remote interrogation device evaluations for patients with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or implantable loop recorders using data they remotely obtain, per the CPT^® guidelines.