Cardiology Coding Alert

Knowing when NOT to use the new code is just as important.

AMA CPT^® Editorial Panel Member David A. Ellington, MD, shed some light on proper use of the new central arterial pressures code during the “Evaluation and Management and Other Miscellaneous Services” CPT^® and RBRVS 2016 Annual Symposium session.

The new code is 93050 (Arterial pressure waveform analysis for assessment of central arterial pressures, includes obtaining waveform[s], digitization and application of nonlinear mathematical transformations to determine central arterial pressures and augmentation index, with interpretation and report, upper extremity artery, non-invasive).

Uses: Ellington indicated that in some cases the analysis 93050 represents can provide an indication of risk factors of developing cardiac events such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. The analysis also may help in guiding medication choices for someone with resistant hypertension.

Caution: You should not report 93050 in conjunction with diagnostic or interventional intra-arterial procedures, Ellington noted, citing an instruction published with the code. Correct Coding Initiative edits effective Jan. 1, 2016, add hundreds of bundles with 93050 in column 2 to help remind you about the limits on reporting this code.

Remember: Code 93050 replaces 0311T (Non-invasive calculation and analysis of central arterial pressure waveforms with interpretation and report), which CPT^® 2016 deletes.