How To Use CPT Code 0273T

CPT 0273T describes the evaluation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, including telemetric iterative communication with the implantable device to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0273T?

CPT 0273T can be used to describe the evaluation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system. This code is used when the provider assesses the positioning and efficiency of the device and uses telemetric iterative communication to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values. The provider then interprets the data and reports the findings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0273T is: ‘Interrogation device evaluation (in person), carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, including telemetric iterative communication with the implantable device to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values, with interpretation and report (eg, battery status, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, therapy start/stop times each day); with programming.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider evaluates the positioning and efficiency of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system.
2. Telemetric iterative communication is used to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values.
3. The provider uses a wireless programmer and software to check the status of the battery, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and therapy start/stop times each day.
4. The provider also regulates the electrical signals delivered to the baroreceptors through an external system.
5. Data is collected and interpreted by the provider, who then reports any abnormality detected.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0273T services are those with resistant hypertension, which is an increase in blood pressure despite treatment with at least three antihypertensive drugs. The carotid sinus baroreflex activation system is used to treat this condition. The provider must evaluate and program the device, ensuring its proper functioning. The provider must also use telemetric iterative communication to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values.

5. When to use CPT code 0273T

CPT code 0273T should be used when the provider performs an evaluation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, including telemetric iterative communication with the implantable device. This code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 0266T-0272T.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0273T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of resistant hypertension
• Specific details of the evaluation and programming performed
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Interpretation of the data collected
• Report of any abnormality detected

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0273T, ensure that the provider performs the evaluation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, including telemetric iterative communication with the implantable device. This code should not be reported with CPT codes 0266T-0272T. Consider using modifier 26 for professional component billing and modifier TC for technical component billing, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 0273T 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 provider evaluates and programs the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, monitoring device diagnostics and programmed therapy values for a patient with resistant hypertension.
2. A provider uses telemetric iterative communication to assess the positioning and efficiency of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system and interprets the data for a patient with resistant hypertension.
3. A provider checks the battery status, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and therapy start/stop times each day of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system for a patient with resistant hypertension.
4. A provider regulates the electrical signals delivered to the baroreceptors through an external system and reports any abnormality detected for a patient with resistant hypertension.
5. A provider performs an evaluation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, ensuring its proper functioning for a patient with resistant hypertension.
6. A provider uses telemetric iterative communication to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system for a patient with resistant hypertension.
7. A provider interprets the data collected from the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system and reports any abnormality detected for a patient with resistant hypertension.
8. A provider evaluates the positioning and efficiency of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, ensuring its proper functioning for a patient with resistant hypertension.
9. A provider uses telemetric iterative communication to assess the battery status, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and therapy start/stop times each day of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system for a patient with resistant hypertension.
10. A provider regulates the electrical signals delivered to the baroreceptors through an external system and interprets the data collected for a patient with resistant hypertension.