Cardiology Coding Alert

Before you report the professional component of an electrocardiography (ECG) service, be sure you meet the "interpretation and report" requirements of the code. For instance, in explaining which provider should claim ECG services in an emergency department, Medicare Claims Processing Manual (MCPM), Chapter 13, Section 100.1, states that carriers distinguish between an ECG "interpretation and report," which is billable, and a "review," which is not. So if you're considering reporting 93010 (Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; interpretation and report only), a review note stating "ECG normal" is not sufficient support, says Kim Huey, CPC, CCS-P, CHCC, an independent coding consultant in Auburn, Ala., citing the MCPM. Such a note "would not suffice as a separately payable interpretation and report of the procedure and should be considered a review of the findings payable through the E/M code. An 'interpretation and report' should address the findings, relevant clinical issues, and comparative data (when available)," the MCPM states.