Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Which codes should we bill for a dobutamine stress test? We are using 93015 and J1250 (Injection, dobutamine HCl, per 250 mg), but we're wondering whether we should bill 90780. 

California Subscriber
 
Answer: The codes you are using are correct. Reporting 90780 (Intravenous infusion for therapy/diagnosis, administered by physician or under direct supervision of physician; up to one hour), however, would not be appropriate. Code 90780 is bundled into 93015 (Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; with physician supervision, with interpretation and report), according to National Correct Coding Initiative edits.
 
If the tests occur in a facility owned by the physician, you should report 93015. In facility settings, you should use 93016 (...; physician supervision only, without interpretation and report) and 93018 (... interpretation and report only) rather than 93015.