How To Use CPT Code 93271

CPT 93271 describes the external patient and auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; transmission and analysis. 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 93271?

CPT 93271 can be used to describe the external patient and auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; transmission and analysis. This code is used when a provider monitors a patient’s heart rhythm while the patient is experiencing cardiac symptoms. The provider places electrocardiogram leads on the patient’s chest, which can record and transmit the patient’s heart rhythm information for up to 30 days. The patient uses the device to transmit the ECG tracing before and during symptoms such as chest pain. The provider then analyzes the data and advises the patient on the most appropriate action to take.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93271 is: ‘External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; transmission and analysis.’

3. Procedure

1. In this service, the provider places electrocardiogram leads on the patient’s chest to monitor the patient’s heart rhythm.
2. The monitor records the patient’s rhythm on a continuous loop for up to 30 days.
3. Following a cardiac event, the patient uses the device to transmit the data in the event recorder via telephone to a receiving station for immediate analysis by a trained provider.
4. The provider evaluates the ECG tracing and takes the appropriate actions, such as calling the patient to inform them of normal results or advising them to seek immediate medical attention.
5. The service includes the use of data receiving equipment, the work of the technical staff receiving data transmissions, record keeping expenses, notification of the referring provider of the test results, and generation of a written report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93271 is used for patients who are experiencing cardiac symptoms and require monitoring of their heart rhythm. The provider must place electrocardiogram leads on the patient’s chest and use an event recorder with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability. The monitoring must be attended for 24 hours and can last up to 30 days. The provider must also be able to perform the transmission and analysis of the recorded data.

5. When to use CPT code 93271

CPT code 93271 should be used when a patient is experiencing cardiac symptoms and requires external event recording with symptom-related memory loop. The provider must be able to perform the transmission and analysis of the recorded data. This code should not be used for routine monitoring or for patients who do not have cardiac symptoms.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93271, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms and the need for event recording
• Specific details of the event recorder used, including the presence of a symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability
• Date and duration of the monitoring period
• Results of the analysis and any actions taken by the provider
• Notification of the referring provider of the test results
• Generation of a written report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93271, ensure that the provider is performing the external event recording with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability. The monitoring must be attended for 24 hours and can last up to 30 days. The provider should not report CPT 93271 if other similar codes have already been performed in the previous seven days. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to use the appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 93271 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been several changes to the code over the years, including updates to the description and terminology. The most recent change was on January 1, 2012, when the code was modified to include transmission download and analysis.

9. Examples

1. A patient experiences chest pain and uses an event recorder to transmit their ECG tracing to a provider for analysis. The provider determines that the ECG recording is normal and advises the patient accordingly.
2. A patient with a history of arrhythmias uses an event recorder to transmit their ECG tracing during an episode of palpitations. The provider analyzes the data and advises the patient to seek immediate medical attention.