Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: How do we decide whether to bill for 93000 versus 93005 or 93010?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: All of the codes you mention are routine electrocardiogram (ECG) codes. They are as follows:

• 93000 (Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; with interpretation and report)
• 93005 (... tracing only, without interpretation and report)
• 93010 (... interpretation and report only).

To choose the correct ECG code, check the documentation. If the cardiologist owns the ECG machine and performs the interpretation and report, you will choose 93000, according to Christina Neighbors, MA, CPC, CCC, Coding Quality Auditor for Conifer Health Solutions, Coding Quality & Education Department, and member of AAPC's Certified Cardiology Coder steering committee. The ECG machine, supplies, interpretation and report are considered the technical and professional components of the service. Example: The cardiologist performs the ECG in his office, so you should report the complete component code 93000.

When a facility provides an ECG on the patient, the facility would capture 93005, Neighbors says. The ECG machine and tracings are considered the technical component of the service.

If the cardiologist performs the interpretation and report only, then you would capture 93010. This is considered the professional component of the service. Example: The ECG is performed within a facility, and the facility owns the ECG machine.

Reminder: A heart monitor rhythm strip is not considered an ECG, according to Neighbors. You should not code the interpretation and report of a rhythm strip (1-3 lead) as a 12-lead ECG.