How To Use CPT Code 93245

CPT 93245 describes the external electrocardiographic recording for more than 7 days up to 15 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage, including recording, scanning analysis with report, review, and interpretation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93245?

CPT 93245 can be used to describe the external electrocardiographic recording for more than 7 days up to 15 days. This procedure involves the application of an electrocardiographic (ECG) recorder to a patient who wears it for an extended period to detect abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The service includes recording, scanning analysis with a report, review, and interpretation of the electrocardiographic findings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93245 is: ‘External electrocardiographic recording for more than 7 days up to 15 days by continuous rhythm recording and storage; includes recording, scanning analysis with report, review, and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider or staff instructs the patient on the use of an external ECG recorder and attaches the monitor to the patient.
2. The ECG recorder may be a small patch or involve ECG electrodes placed on the patient’s chest, connected to a lightweight recorder.
3. The device continuously monitors the electrical activity of the heart and records and stores the information for more than 7 days, up to 15 days.
4. At the end of the study period, the provider or patient removes the device.
5. The collected data is then analyzed, and frequency, duration, and symptomatic rhythm correlations are noted.
6. A processing center technician reviews the data and notifies the provider.
7. The provider uses the initial findings report, along with the patient’s logged diary events, to complete a final interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93245 is performed when a patient requires external electrocardiographic recording for more than 7 days up to 15 days. This procedure is used to detect abnormal heart rates and rhythms. It is important to note that this service includes recording, scanning analysis with a report, review, and interpretation.

5. When to use CPT code 93245

CPT code 93245 should be used when a patient needs an external electrocardiographic recording for more than 7 days up to 15 days. This code is appropriate for cases where continuous rhythm recording and storage are required to monitor the patient’s heart activity over an extended period.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93245, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the external electrocardiographic recording
• Details of the recording device used and its placement on the patient
• Date of the start and end of the recording period
• Analysis of the recorded data, including frequency, duration, and symptomatic rhythm correlations
• Review and interpretation of the findings by the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93245, ensure that the service includes recording, scanning analysis with a report, review, and interpretation. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for this code and accurately document the necessary information. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or other codes that may need to be reported alongside CPT 93245.

8. Historical information

CPT 93245 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient wears an external ECG recorder for 10 days to monitor their heart activity and detect any abnormal rhythms.
2. During a 14-day period, a patient’s heart is continuously monitored using an external ECG recorder to assess their heart rate and rhythm.
3. An individual undergoes an external electrocardiographic recording for 8 days to investigate recurring symptoms of palpitations.
4. For a period of 12 days, a patient wears an external ECG recorder to evaluate their heart’s electrical activity and identify any irregularities.
5. A provider recommends an external electrocardiographic recording for 9 days to monitor a patient’s heart function following a cardiac event.
6. During a 13-day period, an external ECG recorder is used to track a patient’s heart rate and rhythm to assess their response to medication.
7. A patient undergoes an external electrocardiographic recording for 11 days to investigate episodes of dizziness and determine if they are related to abnormal heart rhythms.
8. For a duration of 15 days, an individual wears an external ECG recorder to monitor their heart activity and identify any potential arrhythmias.
9. A provider recommends an external electrocardiographic recording for 8 days to assess a patient’s heart function during physical activity.
10. During a 14-day period, an external ECG recorder is used to monitor a patient’s heart rate and rhythm to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication.