Cardiology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Distinguish Lead From Electrode for PM Coding
Published on Thu Nov 17, 2016
Question: For pacemakers, I hear the terms lead and electrode used like they’re the same thing. Is that right?
Maine Subscriber
Answer: No, they aren’t the same thing even if these connected terms sometimes get used interchangeably in informal discussions.
A lead can have one or more electrodes and also has conductor wires, insulation, and a mechanism to allow for fixation, according to CPT® guidelines for the pacemaker codes.
The codes are based on the number of leads rather than the number of electrodes. For example, note how 33227 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator with replacement of pacemaker pulse generator; single lead system) is for a single lead system.
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