How To Use CPT Code 0696T

CPT 0696T describes the procedure of body surface-activation mapping of pacemaker or pacing cardioverter-defibrillator lead(s) to optimize electrical synchrony in a cardiac resynchronization therapy device. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0696T?

CPT 0696T can be used to describe the body surface-activation mapping procedure performed by a healthcare provider to optimize electrical synchrony in a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. This procedure involves using multiple-lead electrocardiography to assess and improve the synchronization of the heart’s ventricles, which may be pumping out of sync due to erratic electrical impulses. The goal of this procedure is to restore electrical synchrony and improve the symptoms of heart failure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0696T is: ‘Body surface-activation mapping of pacemaker or pacing cardioverter-defibrillator lead(s) to optimize electrical synchrony, cardiac resynchronization therapy device, including connection, recording, disconnection, review, and report; at time of follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation.’

3. Procedure

1. During a follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation for a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, the healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping (BSAM) to optimize electrical synchrony.
2. The provider places multiple leads on the patient’s body to record electrocardiogram data and generate a visual representation of the electrical impulses in the heart.
3. After the mapping procedure, the provider disconnects the BSAM device and reviews the data.
4. The data from the BSAM procedure is then used in conjunction with the CRT device to improve electrical synchrony in the heart.
5. The healthcare provider completes a report detailing the findings and recommendations as part of the service.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0696T is performed in the context of a follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation for a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. This procedure is used to optimize electrical synchrony in patients with dyssynchronous heart ventricles, which may be caused by erratic electrical impulses. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is experienced in using body surface-activation mapping techniques.

5. When to use CPT code 0696T

CPT code 0696T should be used when a healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping to optimize electrical synchrony in a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. This procedure is specifically performed during a follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for this procedure and that it is medically necessary for their condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0696T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the body surface-activation mapping procedure
• Details of the mapping procedure, including the connection, recording, disconnection, and review of the data
• Findings from the mapping procedure and any recommendations for optimizing electrical synchrony
• Date and time of the follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0696T, ensure that the procedure is performed during a follow-up interrogation or programming device evaluation for a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. It is important to use the appropriate code for device insertion or replacement in conjunction with CPT code 0696T. Additionally, follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines to ensure accurate reimbursement for the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0696T 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 healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping during a follow-up interrogation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device to optimize electrical synchrony in a patient with heart failure.
2. During a programming device evaluation for a CRT device, a healthcare provider uses body surface-activation mapping to assess and improve electrical synchrony in a patient with dyssynchronous heart ventricles.
3. A qualified healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping at the time of a follow-up interrogation to optimize electrical synchrony in a patient with a biventricular pacing–defibrillator system.
4. During a follow-up evaluation of a CRT device, a healthcare provider utilizes body surface-activation mapping to assess and improve electrical synchrony in a patient with heart failure symptoms.
5. A patient with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device undergoes a follow-up interrogation, during which a healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping to optimize electrical synchrony in the patient’s heart.
6. At the time of a programming device evaluation for a CRT device, a healthcare provider conducts body surface-activation mapping to assess and improve electrical synchrony in a patient with dyssynchronous heart ventricles.
7. A qualified healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping during a follow-up interrogation to optimize electrical synchrony in a patient with a biventricular pacing system.
8. During a follow-up evaluation of a CRT device, a healthcare provider utilizes body surface-activation mapping to assess and improve electrical synchrony in a patient with heart failure symptoms.
9. A patient with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device undergoes a follow-up interrogation, during which a healthcare provider performs body surface-activation mapping to optimize electrical synchrony in the patient’s heart.
10. At the time of a programming device evaluation for a CRT device, a healthcare provider conducts body surface-activation mapping to assess and improve electrical synchrony in a patient with dyssynchronous heart ventricles.