Cardiology Coding Alert

1. Bill ablation codes 93650, 93651 and 93652 separately from the electrophysiology study (EP) codes in the 93600-93623 range when physicians perform ablations on the same day as an EP study.

2. Make sure the documentation clearly identifies the ablation target site, because this helps determine code selection. If the documentation isn't clear, the physician will need to provide this information.

3. Report ablation codes once, regardless of the number of ablations the physician performs at a specific site.

4. Code 93650 for AV node ablation includes the temporary pacer placement, so don't code this separately. If the physician inserts a permanent pacemaker during the ablation procedure, however, you would report this separately. If the AV node ablation does not include temporary pacing, you can still bill 93650.

5. For supraventricular ablations (the area above the ventricles), report 93651.

6. For ventricular tachycardia diagnoses, link 427.1 to 93652 because the description specifies treatment for this condition.

7. Use 93527 when physicians choose a transseptal rather than a retrograde aortic approach to access the left side of the heart. Make sure the procedure complies with all aspects of reporting and performance related to catheterization, including pressure measurements.