How To Use CPT Code 92960

CPT 92960 describes the procedure of cardioversion, which is used to restore the normal heart rate and rhythm of a patient with arrhythmia. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92960?

CPT 92960 can be used to describe the procedure of cardioversion, which involves the use of electric shock to restore the normal heart rate and rhythm of a patient with arrhythmia. This code is used when the provider applies the electric shock externally using an external defibrillator.

2. Official Description

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

3. Procedure

1. When performing cardioversion, the provider prepares the patient by ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The patient is laid in the supine position with the chest exposed.
3. The provider attaches cardioversion pads onto the patient’s chest or on the chest and the back.
4. The provider notes down the baseline cardiac output rates to assess the abnormality in the heart rate.
5. The provider connects the pads to an external defibrillator, which monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and delivers the electrical shock.
6. The electrical shock delivered by the defibrillator brings back the heart rate and rhythm to normal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Cardioversion using CPT 92960 is performed on patients with arrhythmia, which is characterized by an abnormal rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. The procedure is elective and is used to convert the abnormal heart rate or rhythm to normal using electric shock. The cardioversion is performed externally using an external defibrillator.

5. When to use CPT code 92960

CPT code 92960 should be used when the provider performs cardioversion using electric shock externally with an external defibrillator. It is important to note that if the provider performs internal cardioversion using drugs, CPT code 92961 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92960, the provider must document the following information:

• Preparation and anesthesia provided to the patient
• Positioning of the patient in the supine position with the chest exposed
• Attachment of cardioversion pads and baseline cardiac output rates
• Connection to an external defibrillator and delivery of electrical shock
• Restoration of normal heart rate and rhythm

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92960, ensure that the procedure is performed using external cardioversion with an external defibrillator. If the provider performs internal cardioversion using drugs, CPT code 92961 should be used instead. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

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. Examples

1. A patient with arrhythmia undergoes cardioversion using electric shock externally with an external defibrillator to restore their normal heart rate and rhythm.
2. During a scheduled elective procedure, the provider performs cardioversion on a patient with arrhythmia using an external defibrillator.
3. A patient with a history of arrhythmia receives cardioversion to convert their abnormal heart rate and rhythm to normal using electric shock externally.
4. After assessing the patient’s abnormal heart rate and rhythm, the provider decides to perform cardioversion externally using an external defibrillator.
5. During the cardioversion procedure, the provider carefully monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and delivers the necessary electric shock to restore normal heart rate and rhythm.
6. A patient with persistent arrhythmia undergoes cardioversion using electric shock externally with an external defibrillator to restore their heart rate and rhythm to normal.
7. The provider successfully performs cardioversion on a patient with arrhythmia, resulting in the restoration of their normal heart rate and rhythm.
8. After discussing the risks and benefits, the patient agrees to undergo cardioversion using electric shock externally to treat their arrhythmia.
9. During the cardioversion procedure, the provider ensures that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized to minimize discomfort.
10. Following the cardioversion procedure, the provider monitors the patient’s heart rate and rhythm to ensure that it remains stable and normal.