How To Use CPT Code 93293

CPT 93293 describes the evaluation of a pacemaker through transtelephonic rhythm strip 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 93293?

CPT 93293 can be used to describe the evaluation of a pacemaker through transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis. This code is used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional reviews the pacemaker data and confirms the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing by analyzing the transtelephonic monitoring strip. The evaluation includes recording the rhythm strip with and without magnet application and providing a review and report of a single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system for up to 90 days.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93293 is: ‘Transtelephonic rhythm strip pacemaker evaluation(s) single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system, includes recording with and without magnet application with analysis, review and report(s) by a physician or other qualified health care professional, up to 90 days.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or qualified healthcare professional receives a call from the patient on a landline telephone and attaches the phone to a monitoring device.
2. The patient places the monitoring device with the attached telephone against the implanted pacemaker in their chest.
3. The provider records the transtelephonic rhythm strip transmission for 30 seconds, evaluating heart rate, sensing of each lead, and atrial or ventricular arrhythmias.
4. A second rhythm strip is recorded after the patient places a magnet over the implanted pacemaker, recording the magnet response, including paced rate.
5. The provider reviews and analyzes the parameters, assessing if the lead data and arrhythmia events are normal or abnormal.
6. The battery status is evaluated by measuring the paced rate on the strip recorded with the magnet applied, determining the time interval to the next analysis and the need for a new pacemaker.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 93293 are those with a single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system. The evaluation is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who reviews the pacemaker data and confirms the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing. The evaluation includes transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis with and without magnet application for up to 90 days.

5. When to use CPT code 93293

CPT code 93293 should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis to evaluate the function of a single, dual, or multiple lead pacemaker system. This code should be used for each evaluation performed within a 90-day period.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93293, the physician or qualified healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for pacemaker evaluation
• Date of the transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis
• Recording of the rhythm strip with and without magnet application
• Analysis and review of the pacemaker data, including confirmation of lead function, battery status, capture, and sensing
• Report of any abnormal findings or arrhythmias
• Assessment of the time interval to the next analysis and the need for a new pacemaker
• Signature of the physician or qualified healthcare professional performing the evaluation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93293, ensure that the evaluation is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The evaluation should include transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis with and without magnet application for up to 90 days. Do not report CPT 93293 in conjunction with CPT 93294. For in-person evaluations, use CPT codes 93040, 93041, or 93042. Report CPT 93293 only once per 90 days.

8. Historical information

CPT 93293 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician reviewing the pacemaker data and confirming the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing through transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis for a patient with a single lead pacemaker system.
2. A qualified healthcare professional analyzing the transtelephonic rhythm strip to evaluate the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing in a dual lead pacemaker system.
3. A physician performing transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis to assess the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing in a multiple lead pacemaker system.
4. A healthcare professional reviewing the pacemaker data and confirming the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing through transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis for a patient with a single lead pacemaker system.
5. A physician analyzing the transtelephonic rhythm strip to evaluate the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing in a dual lead pacemaker system.
6. A qualified healthcare professional performing transtelephonic rhythm strip analysis to assess the function of each lead, battery, capture, and sensing in a multiple lead pacemaker system.