Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: A representative advised us that we could be billing for remote follow-up every 91 days even if the patient comes to the office and has an iterative device check. Is this accurate?

Codify Member

Answer: Within a 90-day service period, you may report both:

An in-person programming evaluation (93279-93281, Programming device evaluation [in person] with iterative adjustment ...)

A telephone check (93293, Transtelephonic rhythm strip pacemaker evaluation[s] ... up to 90 days).

CPT® guidelines also state that "Programming device evaluations and remote interrogation device evaluations may both be reported during the remote interrogation device evaluation period."

However, You may not report an in-person interrogation code (such as 93288, Interrogation device evaluation [in person] ...) within the same 90-day service period as you bill a remote interrogation code (such as 93294, Interrogation device evaluation[s] [remote], up to 90 days ...).

Example 1: A patient has a single-lead pacemaker. The pacemaker is evaluated over the phone by the pacing nurse for a routine single pacing system follow-up that is reviewed by the physician. You report 93293. During the same 90-day period, the patient requires an in-person programming evaluation. The physician makes iterative (progressive) adjustments of the programmable settings to determine the appropriate settings for the patient. You may report this service separately using 93279. Remember that the pre- and post-encounter programmed values don't have to differ to report 93279.

Example 2: A patient has a single-lead pacemaker. The physician evaluates remotely retrieved information, checking the device's current programming, battery, lead, capture and sensing function, and heart rhythm. The physician provides analysis, review, and report. You report 93294 once for all evaluations received within the 90-day period.

Beware: Do not report the 90-day monitoring codes when the monitoring period is less than 30 days.