Internal Medicine Coding Alert

Reader Question:

ECG Interpretation Requires 93010

Question: How can I get reimbursed for the internist's interpretation of an ECG for an inpatient?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: You should report 93010 (Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; interpretation and report only) when your internist bills for interpreting an ECG report. And remember: You'll need solid documentation to get paid.

Your best bet to ensure the carrier pays for 93010 is for your physician to document that he interpreted the ECG's printout, and didn't simply look at the ECG's report.

Why? The ECG's technical component (93005, ... tracing only, without interpretation and report) includes the machine's report, which means carriers want to see that your physician performed an interpretation if you submit 93010. The hospital will bill for 93005.
 

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