How To Use CPT Code 92974

CPT 92974 describes the procedure of transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy. 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 92974?

CPT 92974 can be used to describe the procedure of placing a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy. This code is used when the provider performs brachytherapy to keep the blocked heart arteries open. The provider places radioactive seeds near the site of the arterial blockage to open up these blocked arteries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92974 is: ‘Transcatheter placement of radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other primary procedure codes for the treatment of stenosis and coronary angioplasty.

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the brachial or femoral artery and inserts a guide wire under ultrasound guidance.
2. A catheter is advanced over the guide wire to deliver the radiation device into the site of the arterial blockage.
3. The radioactive seeds are left in place for a specific period of time to expose the artery to radiation.
4. The provider removes the radioactive seeds and continues treating the original site of stenosis using the appropriate technique.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92974 is performed when the patient has a blocked heart artery that requires brachytherapy to keep it open. The procedure is typically performed on patients who have undergone treatment for stenosis using other techniques such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The provider must use a radiation delivery device and place radioactive seeds near the site of the arterial blockage.

5. When to use CPT code 92974

CPT code 92974 should be used when the provider performs transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy. It is important to note that this code should only be reported in addition to a primary procedure code for the treatment of stenosis and coronary angioplasty.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92974, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure performed for the treatment of stenosis and coronary angioplasty
• Description of the transcatheter placement of the radiation delivery device
• Specific location of the incision and insertion of the guide wire
• Duration of time the radioactive seeds were left in place
• Confirmation of the removal of the radioactive seeds

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92974, ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure for the treatment of stenosis and coronary angioplasty. Payers will not reimburse for CPT 92974 if it is reported without an appropriate primary code. It is important to use the appropriate primary procedure code, such as CPT 92920, to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 92974 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy in a patient who has undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for the treatment of stenosis.
2. During a procedure to treat stenosis, the provider places radioactive seeds near the site of the arterial blockage to keep the blocked heart artery open.
3. After performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the provider delivers a radiation device into the blocked artery to expose it to radiation and prevent reblockage.
4. A patient undergoes transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy as part of their treatment for stenosis and coronary angioplasty.
5. The provider uses a catheter to deliver the radiation device into the site of the arterial blockage, where radioactive seeds are left in place for a specific period of time.
6. During a procedure to treat stenosis, the provider performs brachytherapy by placing a radiation delivery device near the site of the arterial blockage.
7. A patient receives transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy following treatment for stenosis and coronary angioplasty.
8. The provider inserts a guide wire through the brachial or femoral artery and advances a catheter to deliver the radiation device into the blocked heart artery.
9. After performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the provider performs brachytherapy by placing radioactive seeds near the site of the arterial blockage.
10. A patient undergoes transcatheter placement of a radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy to keep the blocked heart artery open after treatment for stenosis.