How To Use CPT Code 0576T

CPT 0576T describes the in-person interrogation and evaluation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal electrode. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0576T?

CPT 0576T can be used to describe the in-person interrogation and evaluation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal electrode. This code is used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional connects and disconnects the device components, records the results, and analyzes and reviews the findings and programmed settings during a patient encounter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0576T is: ‘Interrogation device evaluation (in person) of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator system with substernal electrode, with analysis, review and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional, includes connection, recording and disconnection per patient encounter.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or other qualified healthcare professional connects an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to the patient and a portable programmer to the pulse generator of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system.
2. They establish a communication link between the programmer and the ICD system.
3. The provider retrieves the stored and measured data about one or more components of the ICD system.
4. They connect and disconnect the system, recording the results.
5. The provider analyzes and reviews the results, preparing a report of their findings and the programmed settings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0576T services are those who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal electrode. This code is used for the in-person interrogation and evaluation of the ICD system. It should not be reported in conjunction with pulse generator or lead insertion, removal, or repositioning codes. Additionally, it should not be reported in conjunction with codes 93261, 93289, or 0575T.

5. When to use CPT code 0576T

CPT code 0576T should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal electrode. This code should not be used for programming device evaluation with iterative adjustment of the device or for electrophysiological evaluation of the ICD system. It is important to review the documentation and choose the correct code for the specific procedure being performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0576T, the physician or other qualified healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for interrogation and evaluation of the ICD system
• Specific details about the components of the ICD system being evaluated
• Date and duration of the in-person interrogation and evaluation
• Results of the interrogation, including any abnormalities or adjustments made
• Analysis and review of the findings and programmed settings
• Preparation of a report summarizing the evaluation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0576T, ensure that the service is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This code should not be reported with pulse generator or lead insertion, removal, or repositioning codes, or with codes 93261, 93289, or 0575T. It is important to review the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 0576T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system with a substernal electrode, analyzing and reviewing the findings and programmed settings.
2. An electrophysiologist connects and disconnects the components of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, recording the results and preparing a report of the evaluation.
3. A cardiac surgeon performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, analyzing the data and reviewing the programmed settings.
4. A cardiac nurse specialist connects an ECG monitor and a portable programmer to an ICD system with a substernal electrode, retrieving and reviewing the stored and measured data.
5. A physician assistant performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, recording the results and preparing a report of the findings.
6. A cardiac technician connects and disconnects the components of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, recording the results and assisting in the analysis and review of the findings.
7. A cardiovascular technologist performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, analyzing the data and preparing a report of the evaluation.
8. A cardiac electrophysiologist connects an ECG monitor and a portable programmer to an ICD system with a substernal electrode, retrieving and reviewing the stored and measured data.
9. A cardiac surgeon performs an in-person interrogation and evaluation of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, recording the results and preparing a report of the findings and programmed settings.
10. A cardiac nurse specialist connects and disconnects the components of an ICD system with a substernal electrode, analyzing the data and reviewing the programmed settings.