How To Use CPT Code 92977

CPT 92977 describes the procedure of thrombolysis, specifically for the coronary arteries, using intravenous infusion of thrombolytic agents. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92977?

CPT 92977 can be used to describe the procedure of thrombolysis in the coronary arteries. Thrombolysis involves breaking down a blood clot, or thrombus, by infusing an enzyme, such as urokinase, into the bloodstream. This procedure is performed in patients who are experiencing a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92977 is: ‘Thrombolysis, coronary; by intravenous infusion.’ This code specifically refers to the use of intravenous infusion to administer thrombolytic agents for the treatment of coronary artery thrombosis. It is important to note that this code is not applicable for thrombolysis in vessels other than the coronary arteries.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. A catheter with an infusion tip is attached to the vessel, typically in the arm or leg.
3. The provider then administers a thrombolytic agent, such as urokinase, through the infusion tip of the catheter.
4. The thrombolytic agent breaks down and dissolves the blood clot, restoring blood flow in the coronary artery.
5. After the procedure, the provider removes the catheter and applies pressure to the site to stop any bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92977 is performed in patients who are experiencing a myocardial infarction, which is characterized by a loss of circulation to a part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot or other obstruction in a coronary artery. The procedure is specifically used for thrombolysis in the coronary arteries and should not be used for thrombolysis in vessels other than the coronary arteries.

5. When to use CPT code 92977

CPT code 92977 should be used when a provider performs thrombolysis in the coronary arteries using intravenous infusion of thrombolytic agents. It is important to ensure that the procedure is specifically targeted at the coronary arteries and not other vessels. If the thrombolysis is performed via intracoronary infusion, including selective coronary angiography, CPT code 92975 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92977, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of myocardial infarction
• Specific thrombolytic agent used, such as urokinase
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of intravenous infusion
• Any complications or adverse events
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92977, ensure that the procedure involves thrombolysis in the coronary arteries using intravenous infusion. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to use the appropriate code for other types of thrombolysis procedures. Additionally, consider any modifiers that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 92977 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs thrombolysis in the coronary arteries using intravenous infusion of urokinase to treat a patient experiencing a myocardial infarction.
2. During a procedure, a catheter with an infusion tip is attached to a patient’s leg vessel, and a thrombolytic agent is administered through the catheter to dissolve a blood clot in a coronary artery.
3. A patient undergoes thrombolysis in the coronary arteries using intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent to restore blood flow in the heart muscle.
4. A provider successfully breaks down a blood clot in a coronary artery by infusing a thrombolytic agent through a catheter inserted into the patient’s arm vessel.
5. Thrombolysis in the coronary arteries is performed using intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent to treat a patient with a myocardial infarction.
6. A provider administers urokinase through an infusion tip attached to a catheter in a patient’s arm vessel to dissolve a blood clot in a coronary artery.
7. During a procedure, a thrombolytic agent is infused through a catheter in a patient’s leg vessel to break down a blood clot in a coronary artery.
8. A patient undergoes thrombolysis in the coronary arteries using intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent to restore blood flow in the heart.
9. A provider successfully performs thrombolysis in the coronary arteries by infusing a thrombolytic agent through a catheter inserted into the patient’s leg vessel.
10. Thrombolysis in the coronary arteries is performed using intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent to treat a patient with a heart attack.