How To Use CPT Code 0270T

CPT 0270T describes the revision or removal of the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device, specifically the lead only, on a unilateral basis. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0270T?

CPT 0270T can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider revises or removes the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device. This device is used to lower the heart rate and blood pressure of patients with resistant hypertension by stimulating the baroreceptors in the carotid arteries. The code specifically applies to the revision or removal of the leads only, on a unilateral basis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0270T is: ‘Revision or removal of carotid sinus baroreflex activation device; lead only, unilateral (includes intra-operative interrogation, programming, and repositioning, when performed).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 0266T – 0269T and 0271T – 0273T. For bilateral lead removal, modifier 50 should be appended to the code. For the removal of the total carotid sinus baroreflex activation device, code 0269T should be used.

3. Procedure

1. When performing the procedure, the healthcare provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made near the clavicle on one side of the neck to access the carotid sinus.
3. The provider identifies the electrodes in the carotid sinus and proceeds to revise or remove them.
4. If revising the leads, the provider detaches the electrodes from the wires connected to the pulse generator and tests the system for accuracy.
5. Upon initiation, the pulse generator stimulates the electrodes, activating the baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and resulting in the dilation of blood vessels, leading to a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.
6. Hemostasis, or the stoppage of bleeding, is achieved, and the incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0270T is applicable to patients with resistant hypertension, which refers to an increase in blood pressure despite treatment with at least three antihypertensive drugs. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider and involves the revision or removal of the leads of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 0266T – 0269T and 0271T – 0273T.

5. When to use CPT code 0270T

CPT code 0270T should be used when a healthcare provider performs the revision or removal of the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis. It is important to ensure that the procedure aligns with the specific details outlined in the code description. This code should not be used in conjunction with other specified codes, as mentioned earlier.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0270T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of resistant hypertension
• Details of the procedure, including the revision or removal of the leads of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device
• Intra-operative interrogation, programming, and repositioning, if performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0270T, it is important to ensure that the procedure aligns with the specific details outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 0266T – 0269T and 0271T – 0273T. If the procedure involves the revision or removal of the leads bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code. If the procedure involves the revision or removal of both the leads and the pulse generator of the baroreflex activation device, code 0269T should be used. If the procedure involves the revision or removal of only the pulse generator, code 0271T should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 0270T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider revising the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis to treat a patient with resistant hypertension.
2. A physician removing the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis for a patient with resistant hypertension.
3. A surgeon revising the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis during a procedure for a patient with resistant hypertension.
4. A cardiologist removing the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis for a patient with resistant hypertension.
5. A cardiovascular specialist revising the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis to manage the blood pressure of a patient with resistant hypertension.
6. A healthcare provider removing the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis to address the resistant hypertension of a patient.
7. A surgeon revising the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis during a procedure to treat a patient with resistant hypertension.
8. A cardiologist removing the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis to manage the blood pressure of a patient with resistant hypertension.
9. A cardiovascular specialist revising the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis to address the resistant hypertension of a patient.
10. A healthcare provider removing the leads of a carotid sinus baroreflex activation device on a unilateral basis during a procedure for a patient with resistant hypertension.