How To Use CPT Code 92971

CPT 92971 describes a procedure used to assist a patient’s circulation by placing air cuffs around the lower extremities. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92971?

CPT 92971 can be used to describe a procedure in which a provider assists a patient’s circulation by placing air cuffs around their lower extremities. This code is used when the cuffs inflate and deflate in synchronization with the patient’s cardiac cycle, helping to increase diastolic pressure and venous return during diastole, and decrease ventricular workload and increase cardiac output during systole.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92971 is: ‘Cardioassist-method of circulatory assist; external.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider wraps a series of three compressive air cuffs around the patient’s lower trunk and extremities.
2. The cuffs inflate and deflate in synchronization with the patient’s cardiac cycle.
3. During diastole, the cuffs inflate, compressing the vessels within the muscles and increasing diastolic pressure and venous return.
4. During systole, the cuffs deflate, decreasing ventricular workload and increasing cardiac output.
5. This process is repeated during multiple sessions over the course of weeks or months.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 92971 are those who require assistance with their circulation. This procedure is typically used for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. The provider must wrap the air cuffs around the patient’s lower trunk and extremities, and the cuffs must inflate and deflate in synchronization with the patient’s cardiac cycle.

5. When to use CPT code 92971

CPT code 92971 should be used when a provider performs the procedure to assist a patient’s circulation by placing air cuffs around their lower extremities. This code should be used for each session in which the procedure is performed. It is important to note that Medicare carriers may prefer the use of a different code, such as G0166, so it is essential to check with the specific payer’s guidelines.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92971, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for circulatory assistance
• Details of the procedure performed, including the placement of air cuffs and their synchronization with the patient’s cardiac cycle
• Date and duration of each session
• Progress made by the patient over the course of the sessions
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92971, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and that the air cuffs are placed around the patient’s lower extremities. It is important to follow the specific payer’s guidelines, as Medicare carriers may prefer the use of a different code. It is also essential to consider any limitations on the number of sessions that can be billed within a specific time period.

8. Historical information

CPT 92971 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It has undergone changes over the years, including being added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient with heart failure receiving multiple sessions of the cardioassist procedure to improve their circulation.
2. An individual with peripheral artery disease undergoing the placement of air cuffs around their lower extremities to assist with their circulation.
3. A patient recovering from cardiac surgery receiving the cardioassist procedure to support their cardiac function.
4. An individual with cardiogenic shock receiving the placement of air cuffs to help stabilize their circulation.
5. A patient with severe hypertension undergoing the cardioassist procedure to help manage their blood pressure.
6. An individual with a history of venous insufficiency receiving the placement of air cuffs to improve their venous return.
7. A patient with aortic stenosis undergoing the cardioassist procedure to assist with their cardiac output.
8. An individual with cardiomyopathy receiving multiple sessions of the cardioassist procedure to improve their cardiac function.
9. A patient with acute myocardial infarction undergoing the placement of air cuffs to support their circulation during the recovery period.
10. An individual with congestive heart failure receiving the cardioassist procedure to help manage their symptoms.