Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: My cardiologist wants to perform cardioversion in the office. How do I bill for this?

Iowa Subscriber

Answer: Elective cardioversion may be used to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter on a planned basis, possibly after the failure of anti-arrhythmic drugs to convert the patient chemically.

In this procedure, which is coded 92960 (cardioversion, elective, electrical conversion of arrhythmia; external), the patient is given either a sedative or anesthetic, after which one or more synchronized electric shocks are administered and the patients heart is monitored afterward to ensure the rhythm has stabilized.

However, notes Terry Fletcher, BS, CPC, CCS-P, a cardiology coding and reimbursement specialist in Laguna Niguel, Calif., some carriers may not recognize the physicians office as an appropriate place of service and may deny payment on that basis. Check with your local carrier for this information.