How To Use CPT Code 0684T

CPT 0684T describes the peri-procedural device evaluation and programming of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for augmentation of cardiac function. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0684T?

CPT 0684T can be used to describe the in-person evaluation and programming of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system before or after a surgery, procedure, or test. This code is used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional analyzes, reviews, and reports on the device system parameters to augment cardiac function in patients with heart failure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0684T is: ‘Peri-procedural device evaluation (in-person) and programming of device system parameters before or after a surgery, procedure, or test with analysis, review, and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional, permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for augmentation of cardiac function.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or qualified healthcare professional prepares for the in-person device evaluation and programming of the synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system.
2. They establish communication between the external programmer and the stimulation system using an external programmer and telemetry wand.
3. The provider analyzes and reviews parameters such as pulse amplitude, duration, battery status, lead and electrode selectability, impedances, and R-wave sensitivity.
4. Adjustments are made to optimize the programming based on the patient’s needs.
5. A report is created to document the analysis, review, and programming of the device system parameters.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0684T is used for patients with heart failure who require the evaluation and programming of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system. This code should be reported by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. It should not be reported in conjunction with other codes for synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system services performed by the same provider.

5. When to use CPT code 0684T

CPT code 0684T should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs the peri-procedural device evaluation and programming of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system. It is important to review the guidelines and ensure that other related codes are not reported in conjunction with 0684T when performed by the same provider.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0684T, the physician or qualified healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and indication for the evaluation and programming of the synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system
• Specific parameters analyzed, reviewed, and adjusted during the procedure
• Date and duration of the in-person evaluation and programming session
• Details of the analysis, review, and adjustments made to optimize the programming
• Creation of a report documenting the analysis, review, and programming of the device system parameters

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0684T, ensure that the service is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Review the guidelines to determine if other codes for synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system services can be reported in conjunction with 0684T when performed by the same provider. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 0684T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performs an in-person evaluation and programming of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for a patient with heart failure.
2. An electrophysiologist analyzes and adjusts the parameters of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system before a cardiac surgery.
3. A cardiac surgeon reviews and reports on the device system parameters of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system after a procedure to augment cardiac function.
4. A cardiac nurse practitioner performs an in-person evaluation and programming of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for a patient with heart failure.
5. An interventional cardiologist analyzes and adjusts the parameters of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system before a cardiac catheterization procedure.
6. A cardiac electrophysiologist reviews and reports on the device system parameters of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system after a cardiac ablation procedure.
7. A cardiac surgeon performs an in-person evaluation and programming of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for a patient with heart failure.
8. An interventional radiologist analyzes and adjusts the parameters of a permanent implantable synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system before a radiological procedure.
9. A cardiac nurse reviews and reports on the device system parameters of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system after a cardiac stress test.
10. A cardiac electrophysiologist performs an in-person evaluation and programming of a synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation system for a patient with heart failure.