Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: A patient came in for permanent dualchamber generator removal and placement of a new one. The physician also repaired a single lead in the same session. Which codes should I report for the removal, placement, and repair? Ohio Subscriber Answer: You may report each service separately. CPT guidelines for “Pacemaker or Pacing Cardioverter-Defibrillator” state “replacement of a pulse generator should be reported with a code for removal of the pulse generator and another code for insertion of a pulse generator.” Helpful: You may hear providers refer to replacing the pulse generator as a battery change, a generator       change, or a “gen” change. Removal: Code 33233 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator) describes the removal of the pulse generator. Insertion: Use 33213 (Insertion or replacement of pacemaker pulse generator only; dual chamber) for the placement. Repair: For the repair in your scenario -- one lead of a dual-chamber system -- you [...]