Wiki Backup Pacer

[mhart]

Hello,
One of our Anesthesiologist placed a backup pacer requested by the surgeon at the end of a TAVR surgical procedure. This backup pacer was placed via Internal jugular access that was originally used for a Swan Ganz during the surgery portion of the procedure. Would our Anesthesiologist be able to bill procedure code 33210-59 (Insertion or replacement of temporary transvenous single chamber cardiac electrode or pacemaker catheter)? Thank you in advance for any information.

Melissa Hart, CPC, CANPC

 

[LeslieJ]

pacer backup.

I've seen it done and paid by Medicare.

Not certain if it's within the scope of practice, but you're the third entity I've heard of where anesthesiologists are doing this during cardiac procedures.

Wonder if this is a new trend?

Leslie Johnson, CPC