How To Use CPT Code 78414

CPT 78414 describes the determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques, such as ejection fraction measurement with probe technique. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78414?

CPT 78414 can be used to describe the determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques. This code is used when a healthcare provider uses a probe or device to measure blood flow in the central cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. The provider may also use pharmacologic intervention or exercise to trigger blood flow changes and measure the ejection fraction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78414 is: ‘Determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics (non-imaging) (eg, ejection fraction with probe technique) with or without pharmacologic intervention or exercise, single or multiple determinations.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider ensures that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider uses an X-ray, echocardiograph, or ECG to ensure correct positioning of the probe.
3. If necessary, the provider injects an intravenous contrast while the patient is exercising.
4. The probe measures and records changes in the ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood that leaves the heart during each contraction.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78414 is used for patients who require the determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics. This may include patients with heart conditions or those who need to assess their cardiovascular function. The procedure may involve the use of pharmacologic intervention or exercise to trigger blood flow changes. The provider must use a probe technique to measure the ejection fraction.

5. When to use CPT code 78414

CPT code 78414 should be used when a healthcare provider needs to determine central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques. This code is appropriate when the provider uses a probe or device to measure blood flow and assess the ejection fraction. It may be used with or without pharmacologic intervention or exercise.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78414, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s condition or reason for determining central cardiovascular hemodynamics
• Details of the procedure, including the use of pharmacologic intervention or exercise
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the measurement, including the ejection fraction
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78414, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. The provider should document the necessary information and use the appropriate modifiers if necessary. It is important to follow Medicare guidelines when reporting the professional and technical components of the service.

8. Historical information

CPT 78414 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist using a probe technique to measure the ejection fraction of a patient’s heart during exercise.
2. An interventional radiologist determining central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques in a patient with a suspected heart condition.
3. A cardiac surgeon assessing the ejection fraction of a patient’s heart before and after pharmacologic intervention.
4. A nuclear medicine physician measuring central cardiovascular hemodynamics with probe technique in a patient undergoing stress testing.
5. An electrophysiologist evaluating the ejection fraction of a patient’s heart using non-imaging techniques during an electrophysiology study.
6. A cardiovascular technologist assisting a healthcare provider in determining central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques in a patient with suspected heart disease.
7. A physician using a probe technique to measure the ejection fraction of a patient’s heart during a pharmacologic stress test.
8. A radiologist performing a non-imaging determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics in a patient with a known heart condition.
9. A cardiac nurse assisting a healthcare provider in measuring the ejection fraction of a patient’s heart using non-imaging techniques during a cardiac catheterization procedure.
10. A nuclear medicine technologist assisting in the determination of central cardiovascular hemodynamics using non-imaging techniques in a patient undergoing a nuclear stress test.