Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: What are the correct CPT codes for a cardiac stress test and a pulmonary stress test?

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Answer: Two codes describe pulmonary stress tests: 94620 (Pulmonary stress testing; simple [e.g., prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post-spirometry]) and 94621 (... complex [including measurements of CO2 production, O2 uptake, and electrocardiographic recordings]). Codes 93015-93018 describe cardiac stress testing. CPT defines 93015 as Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; with physician supervision, with interpretation and report.

According to CPT guidelines, complex stress tests measure the integration of cardiac and pulmonary function, along with the status of physical fitness. It includes measuring carbon dioxide production, oxygen uptake and electrocardiographic recordings. When pulmonologists perform this complex test, the Correct Coding Initiative bundles the cardiac stress codes (93015-93018) into the pulmonary test.