Answer: Certain carriers recognize that CPR in the hospital setting is always performed with a physician present to direct and supervise the procedure. According to Cindy McMahan, CPC, an independent coding consultant based in Albany, Wisc., these carriers will allow physicians to bill code 92950 (cardiopulmonary resuscitation [e.g., in cardiac arrest]) even though they are not actually performing the percussions or respirations.
The physician is always the captain of the ship in this situation and must be totally focused on the management of the patient, which includes the CPR, as well as the defibrillation and administration of medications. In that there is carrier variation, it is necessary to check with your local payers to assess their coverage of this service. |
