Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code removal of dual chamber pacer, capping of atrial lead, placement of VVI pacer? Here's an excerpt: Using lidocaine with Marcaine, a 5 cm incision was made over the old incision in the left deltopectoral groove. Dissection was carried down to the device and the device removed. The atrial lead was checked ... and this was capped and placed in the pocket. The ventricular lead was detached functioned well... this was then attached to the new device.

Codify Member

Answer: Experts advise that you should report 33227 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator with replacement of pacemaker pulse generator; single lead system) for this case.

A VVI pacer paces the ventricle (V), senses electrical activity in the ventricle (V), and responds to signals by inhibiting (I) pacing function. So the physician replaced the dual chamber pacer with a single chamber pacer and capped the atrial lead.