Question: I recently tried to bill code 93010 for a patient's ECG, but an edit came up that said OPPS doesn't recognize the code. Should I use a different code instead, or just not bill for the service?
Oklahoma Subscriber
Answer: You can still report the electrocardiogram (ECG), but instead of using 93010 (Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; interpretation and report only), you should report 93005 (...tracing only, without interpretation and report).
The reason: When you're billing for facility services, the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) won't pay for 93010 because the code represents the services the physician provided as if he or she provided it in the office - not use of facility resources.
But 93005 reflects the expense incurred by using facility resources, such as equipment, supplies, and nursing care.
