Advanced Search

Cardiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Find Code for VVI Placement

Published on Thu Jun 07, 2012

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 MemberAnswer: 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.  
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Cardiology Coding Alert

View All