How To Use CPT Code 93272

CPT 93272 describes the external patient monitoring service for electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability up to 30 days. 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 93272?

CPT 93272 can be used to describe the external patient monitoring service for electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability up to 30 days. This code is used when a provider places electrocardiogram (ECG) leads on a patient’s chest and uses an event recorder to 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, and the provider analyzes and advises the patient on the most appropriate action to take.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93272 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; review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified health care professional.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places electrocardiogram (ECG) leads on the patient’s chest.
2. The patient wears an event recorder that records the patient’s heart rhythm on a continuous loop for up to 30 days.
3. When the patient experiences cardiac symptoms, such as chest pain, they use the device to transmit the ECG tracing.
4. The transmitted data is analyzed by the provider to evaluate the patient’s heart rhythm and determine the appropriate action to take.
5. The provider may communicate with the patient to inform them of the results and advise on further steps, such as going to the nearest emergency room or calling 911.
6. The provider reviews the pertinent medical history and generates a final report based on the evaluation of the ECG tracings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 93272 are those who require external monitoring of their heart rhythm while experiencing cardiac symptoms. The provider must place ECG leads on the patient’s chest and use an event recorder with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability up to 30 days. The service includes the review and interpretation of the recorded data by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 93272

CPT code 93272 should be used when a provider performs external patient monitoring for electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop and remote download capability up to 30 days. This code represents the professional component of the review and interpretation of the recorded data by the provider. It should be reported only once for up to 30 days, regardless of the number of readings performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93272, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms
• Date and duration of the monitoring period
• Results of the ECG tracings and the provider’s interpretation
• Actions taken or recommended based on the evaluation of the data
• Generation of a final report by the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93272, ensure that the provider performs the external patient monitoring service with the specified capabilities. This code represents the professional component of the review and interpretation of the recorded data. It should not be reported with other codes for subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitoring or wearable patient-activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording. Additional tips for reporting CPT 93272 may vary depending on the payer’s requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 93272 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.

9. Examples

1. A patient wears an event recorder for 30 days and transmits the ECG tracing when experiencing chest pain. The provider reviews the data, determines it is a normal rhythm, and advises the patient accordingly.
2. Following a cardiac event, a patient uses the event recorder to transmit the ECG tracing. The provider analyzes the data and instructs the patient to go to the nearest emergency room.
3. A provider evaluates the ECG tracings of a patient who transmitted the data after experiencing palpitations. Based on the evaluation, the provider advises the patient to schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation.
4. During the monitoring period, a patient transmits the ECG tracing multiple times due to recurring symptoms. The provider reviews each transmission and recommends a change in medication to manage the patient’s condition.
5. A patient uses the event recorder to transmit the ECG tracing when experiencing shortness of breath. The provider analyzes the data and advises the patient to schedule a stress test for further evaluation.