How To Use CPT Code 92944

CPT 92944 describes the percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion in the coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft. 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 92944?

CPT 92944 is used to describe a procedure in which a provider performs percutaneous transluminal revascularization to treat chronic total occlusion in the coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft. This involves the insertion of a catheter with a rotating blade, inflation of a balloon-tipped catheter, and placement of a stent to expand the narrowed walls of the vessel. The purpose of this procedure is to restore blood flow to the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92944 is: ‘Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion, coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft, any combination of intracoronary stent, atherectomy and angioplasty; each additional coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or bypass graft (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other primary codes for the repair procedure on a single coronary artery.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider gains access to an additional coronary artery, branch, or graft with chronic total occlusion.
2. The provider makes an incision into the brachial or femoral artery and inserts a guide wire through it.
3. A guide catheter is then inserted over the guide wire, moving it through the vascular system until it reaches the opening to the coronary artery.
4. The provider injects a dye and takes fluoroscopic images to examine the blood flow and placement of the catheter into the artery.
5. A catheter with a burr or other blade is advanced into the coronary vessel to destroy the material blocking the artery.
6. A balloon-tipped catheter may also be inserted into the coronary occlusion.
7. A balloon-mounted catheter with a stent may be inserted at the occluded site to expand and fit the stent on the wall of the artery.
8. An angioplasty may also be performed to widen the vessel.
9. Finally, the provider removes all the equipment, achieves hemostasis, and closes the wound in layers.