Advanced Search

Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

93641 Applies for ICD Test at Implant

Published on Mon Oct 18, 2010

Question: For an EP test of an internal cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) at implant, should we report 93619 or 93620?Massachusetts SubscriberAnswer: Neither. When the cardiologist uses an electrophysiology (EP) test for an ICD device, he induces an arrhythmia and confirms that the device is functioning properly. To report an ICD evaluation at the time of initial implantation, you have two coding options:1. When the physician tests the lead(s) only, report 93640 (Electrophysiologic evaluation of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads including defibrillation threshold evaluation [induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing and pacing for arrhythmia termination] at time of initial implantation or replacement).2. When the physician tests the lead(s) and generator, assign 93641 (... with testing of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator pulse generator).Caution: You mentioned 93619 (Comprehensive electrophysiologic evaluation with right atrial pacing and recording, right ventricular pacing and recording, His bundle recording, including insertion and repositioning of multiple electrode [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Cardiology Coding Alert

View All