Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Which code is appropriate for evaluating data stored in a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator vest? New Mexico Subscriber Answer: The most appropriate code for this service is 93292 (Interrogation device evaluation [in person] with physician analysis, review and report, includes connection, recording and disconnection per patient encounter; wearable defibrillator system). This code was part of the 2009 cardiac device coding revolution that brought numerous new codes. Before 2009, you would have reported the service with nowdeleted code 93741 (Electronic analysis of pacing cardioverter-defibrillator [includes interrogation, evaluation of pulse generator status, evaluation of programmable parameters at rest and during activity where applicable, using electrocardiographic recording and interpretation of recordings at rest and during exercise, analysis of event markers and device response]; single chamber or wearable cardioverter-defibrillator system, without reprogramming). Code 93292 is specific to wearable devices, such as the vest you mention. The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator does the same work as an implantable [...]