How To Use CPT Code 92960

CPT 92960 refers to the elective cardioversion procedure, which involves the use of an external defibrillator to restore normal heart rate and rhythm in patients with arrhythmia. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 92960.

1. What is CPT 92960?

CPT 92960 is a medical code used to describe the elective cardioversion procedure, which is performed to restore normal heart rate and rhythm in patients suffering from arrhythmia. This procedure involves the use of an external defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the patient’s heart, thereby correcting the abnormal heart rhythm.

2. 92960 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 92960 is: “Cardioversion, elective, electrical conversion of arrhythmia; external.”

3. Procedure

The 92960 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is prepped and anesthetized, then laid in the supine position with the chest exposed.
2. The provider attaches cardioversion pads onto the patient’s chest or on the chest and the back.
3. Baseline cardiac output rates are noted to determine the intensity of the electrical shock required.
4. The pads are connected to an external defibrillator, which monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and delivers the electrical shock.
5. The electric shock restores the heart rate and rhythm to normal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 92960 services are those who have been diagnosed with arrhythmia and require elective cardioversion to restore their normal heart rate and rhythm. This procedure is typically performed when other treatments, such as medications, have been unsuccessful in managing the patient’s condition. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the patient’s medical history, the severity of their arrhythmia, and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.

5. When to use CPT code 92960

CPT code 92960 should be used when billing for the elective cardioversion procedure performed using an external defibrillator. This code is appropriate for cases where the patient has been diagnosed with arrhythmia and requires the procedure to restore their normal heart rate and rhythm. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances and that the procedure is medically necessary before billing for CPT 92960.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92960, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and diagnosis of arrhythmia
• Details of the patient’s previous treatments and their outcomes
• Indication that the elective cardioversion procedure is medically necessary
• Description of the procedure, including the steps performed and the equipment used
• Outcome of the procedure, including any complications or adverse events

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 92960, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances and that the procedure is medically necessary. Additionally, it is crucial to provide accurate and complete documentation to support the claim. Be aware of any specific payer requirements or policies related to CPT 92960, as these may vary between different insurance companies.

8. Historical information

CPT 92960 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 92960

Five similar codes to CPT 92960 and how they differ are:

• CPT 92961: This code is used for internal cardioversion using drugs, rather than an external defibrillator.
• CPT 93653: This code describes a comprehensive electrophysiology study with ablation and pacing, which is a more invasive procedure than CPT 92960.
• CPT 93656: This code is for the ablation of atrial fibrillation, a different procedure that targets the specific cause of the arrhythmia.
• CPT 93660: This code refers to tilt table evaluation, a diagnostic test used to determine the cause of syncope or fainting, not a treatment for arrhythmia.
• CPT 93750: This code is for the interpretation of data from an implantable cardiac monitor, not a procedure to treat arrhythmia.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 92960 procedures:

1. A 65-year-old patient with a history of atrial fibrillation undergoes elective cardioversion after failing to respond to antiarrhythmic medications.
2. A 55-year-old patient with ventricular tachycardia undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after unsuccessful medication therapy.
3. A 70-year-old patient with persistent atrial flutter undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after other treatments have failed.
4. A 60-year-old patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia undergoes elective cardioversion after failing to respond to medication therapy.
5. A 50-year-old patient with a history of recurrent atrial fibrillation undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after unsuccessful treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs.
6. A 75-year-old patient with a history of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after other treatments have failed.
7. A 45-year-old patient with a history of ventricular tachycardia undergoes elective cardioversion after failing to respond to medication therapy and experiencing recurrent episodes of arrhythmia.
8. A 40-year-old patient with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after unsuccessful treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs.
9. A 35-year-old patient with a history of recurrent atrial flutter undergoes elective cardioversion after failing to respond to medication therapy and experiencing recurrent episodes of arrhythmia.
10. A 30-year-old patient with a history of supraventricular tachycardia undergoes elective cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm after unsuccessful treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs and recurrent episodes of arrhythmia.