How To Use CPT Code 93289

CPT 93289 describes the evaluation and adjustment of an already implanted single, dual, or multiple lead defibrillator system by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. 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 93289?

CPT 93289 can be used to describe the evaluation and adjustment of an already implanted single, dual, or multiple lead defibrillator system by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This code represents both the professional and technical components of the service.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93289 is: ‘Interrogation device evaluation (in person) with analysis, review and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional, includes connection, recording and disconnection per patient encounter; single, dual, or multiple lead transvenous implantable defibrillator system, including analysis of heart rhythm derived data elements.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs a face-to-face evaluation of an already implanted single, dual, or multiple lead defibrillator system.
2. Using specialized equipment, the provider retrieves information stored by the defibrillator, including data about the leads or sensors, battery, and implanted pulse generator function.
3. The provider evaluates this information to determine the current programming of the device and assess various aspects of its function, such as battery voltage, lead impedance, tachycardia detection settings, and rhythm treatment settings.
4. The provider connects, records, and disconnects the defibrillator system during the evaluation.
5. The provider analyzes the heart rhythm derived data elements to assess the device’s performance and effectiveness.
6. A report is generated based on the evaluation and analysis, documenting the findings and any adjustments made to the defibrillator system.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93289 is used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs an in-person evaluation of an already implanted single, dual, or multiple lead defibrillator system. The provider must analyze and review the data collected by the device, including heart rhythm derived data elements. This code should not be reported in conjunction with other codes that involve similar services.

5. When to use CPT code 93289

CPT code 93289 should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs an in-person evaluation and adjustment of an already implanted single, dual, or multiple lead defibrillator system. This code represents both the professional and technical components of the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93289, the physician or other qualified healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Details of the in-person evaluation, including the date and duration of the encounter
• Specific information retrieved from the defibrillator system, such as lead or sensor data, battery status, and pulse generator function
• Evaluation of various aspects of the device’s function, including battery voltage, lead impedance, and settings related to tachycardia detection and rhythm treatment
• Analysis of heart rhythm derived data elements and assessment of the device’s performance
• Any adjustments made to the defibrillator system during the evaluation
• A report summarizing the findings and documenting the evaluation and adjustment process

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93289, ensure that the service is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The evaluation and adjustment must be done in person, and the code should not be reported in conjunction with other codes that involve similar services. Follow the appropriate guidelines for reporting the professional and technical components of the service.

8. Historical information

CPT 93289 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been two code changes since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2015.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing an in-person evaluation and adjustment of a single lead defibrillator system for a patient with a history of ventricular arrhythmias.
2. A qualified healthcare professional analyzing and reviewing the data from a dual lead defibrillator system to assess its performance in a patient with heart failure.
3. A physician connecting, recording, and disconnecting a multiple lead defibrillator system to evaluate its battery voltage and lead impedance in a patient with a history of tachycardia.
4. A qualified healthcare professional analyzing heart rhythm derived data elements from an already implanted single lead defibrillator system to determine the effectiveness of rhythm treatment settings in a patient with atrial fibrillation.
5. A physician performing an in-person evaluation and adjustment of a dual lead defibrillator system to optimize electrical synchrony in a patient with heart block.
6. A qualified healthcare professional analyzing the data from a multiple lead defibrillator system to assess its performance and make adjustments in a patient with a history of ventricular tachycardia.
7. A physician connecting, recording, and disconnecting a single lead defibrillator system to evaluate its battery status and assess the lead impedance in a patient with a history of sudden cardiac arrest.
8. A qualified healthcare professional analyzing heart rhythm derived data elements from an already implanted multiple lead defibrillator system to evaluate its performance in a patient with heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
9. A physician performing an in-person evaluation and adjustment of a dual lead defibrillator system to optimize tachycardia detection settings in a patient with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias.