How To Use CPT Code 0542T

CPT 0542T describes the use of multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) imaging to detect cardiac ischemia in patients experiencing chest pain. This article will cover the description, official definition, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0542T?

CPT 0542T can be used to report the use of multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) imaging for the detection of cardiac ischemia in patients presenting with chest pain. This code is used when a minimum of 36 channels are used to generate magnetic-field time-series images, perform quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, and generate a machine learning-derived clinical score and automated report for a single study.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0542T is: ‘Myocardial imaging by magnetocardiography (MCG) for detection of cardiac ischemia, by signal acquisition using minimum 36 channel grid, generation of magnetic-field time-series images, quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, machine learning-derived clinical scoring, and automated report generation, single study; interpretation and report.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient lies supine on a table, and a sensor is positioned as close as possible to the chest directly over the heart.
2. Magnetic field registration is performed, generating magnetic-field time-series images in a total of 36 positions with a 6×6 rectangle grid.
3. Data is recorded every 30 seconds, and the procedure typically takes no more than six minutes.
4. The signals are then processed and analyzed by a computer using proprietary software.
5. The provider accesses the raw data stored in the computer for further review, analyzes and interprets the data, and prepares a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0542T is used for patients who present with chest pain and require the detection of cardiac ischemia. The procedure is performed using a minimum of 36 channels for signal acquisition and analysis. The provider must generate magnetic-field time-series images, perform quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, and utilize machine learning-derived clinical scoring to generate an automated report.

5. When to use CPT code 0542T

CPT code 0542T should be used when a patient presents with chest pain and there is a need to detect cardiac ischemia using multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) imaging. This code is appropriate for a single study that includes the acquisition of signals using a minimum of 36 channels, generation of magnetic-field time-series images, quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, and the generation of a machine learning-derived clinical score and automated report.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0542T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s presenting symptoms, including chest pain
• Details of the MCG procedure, including the use of a minimum of 36 channels
• Date and duration of the study
• Results of the quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles
• Machine learning-derived clinical score
• Interpretation of the findings
• Preparation of the automated report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0542T, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements outlined in the official description. The provider must use a minimum of 36 channels for signal acquisition and analysis. It is important to note that CPT code 0542T should not be reported if other codes, such as CPT codes 0541T to 0542T, have already been performed in the previous seven days. Additionally, consider the location of the testing, as it may impact how the procedure is coded.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0542T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with chest pain, and the provider performs a 36-channel MCG study to detect cardiac ischemia. The provider interprets the findings and prepares an automated report.
2. A patient with a history of heart disease complains of chest pain. The provider conducts a multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) study using a minimum of 36 channels. The results are analyzed, and a machine learning-derived clinical score is generated along with an automated report.
3. A patient experiencing chest pain undergoes a 36-channel MCG study. The provider analyzes the magnetic-field time-series images, performs quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, and generates an automated report with a machine learning-derived clinical score.
4. A patient with suspected cardiac ischemia presents with chest pain. The provider performs a multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) study using a minimum of 36 channels. The results are analyzed, and an automated report is generated, including a machine learning-derived clinical score.
5. A patient complains of chest pain, and the provider conducts a 36-channel MCG study. The magnetic-field time-series images are analyzed, and a machine learning-derived clinical score is generated. An automated report is prepared based on the findings.
6. A patient with a family history of heart disease presents with chest pain. The provider performs a multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) study using a minimum of 36 channels. The results are analyzed, and an automated report is generated, including a machine learning-derived clinical score.
7. A patient experiencing chest pain undergoes a 36-channel MCG study. The provider interprets the magnetic-field time-series images, performs quantitative analysis of magnetic dipoles, and prepares an automated report with a machine learning-derived clinical score.
8. A patient with suspected cardiac ischemia complains of chest pain. The provider conducts a multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) study using a minimum of 36 channels. The results are analyzed, and an automated report is generated, including a machine learning-derived clinical score.
9. A patient presents with chest pain, and the provider performs a 36-channel MCG study to detect cardiac ischemia. The provider interprets the findings and prepares an automated report.
10. A patient with a history of heart disease complains of chest pain. The provider conducts a multichannel magnetocardiography (MCG) study using a minimum of 36 channels. The results are analyzed, and a machine learning-derived clinical score is generated along with an automated report.