How To Use CPT Code 93452

CPT 93452 describes the procedure of left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93452?

CPT 93452 can be used to describe the procedure of left heart catheterization, which involves the placement of a catheter in the left-sided systemic cardiac chambers, such as the left ventricle or left atrium. This procedure also includes the injection of dye for left ventriculography, as well as the imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed. Left heart catheterization is performed to evaluate ventricular function and assess the heart’s overall performance.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93452 is: ‘Left heart catheterization including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made into a peripheral artery, and a catheter is inserted through a flexible guide wire under fluoroscopic guidance.
3. The provider uses X-ray images to guide the placement of the catheter throughout the procedure.
4. The catheter is advanced into the aortic valve and then into the left ventricle to evaluate ventricular function.
5. Dye may be injected through the catheter to further assess the heart’s function using fluoroscopy.
6. At the end of the procedure, the catheter is either secured in place for ongoing monitoring or removed, and hemostasis is achieved.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93452 is performed on patients who require left heart catheterization for the evaluation of ventricular function. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is experienced in cardiac catheterization procedures. This code should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes that are specific to valve repair, annulus reconstruction procedures, or left ventricular restoration device implantation.

5. When to use CPT code 93452

CPT code 93452 should be used when a healthcare provider performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, and provides imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed. This code accurately describes the procedure and should be reported for each instance of left heart catheterization performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93452, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the left heart catheterization procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific catheter used and any additional equipment or materials
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Imaging findings and interpretation
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93452, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to note that CPT 93452 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes related to valve repair, annulus reconstruction procedures, or left ventricular restoration device implantation. Additionally, this code has both a technical and professional component, so the appropriate modifiers should be appended when reporting the service.

8. Historical information

CPT 93452 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, to evaluate ventricular function in a patient with suspected heart disease.
2. A cardiac surgeon performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, as part of a preoperative assessment for a patient undergoing valve repair surgery.
3. An interventional cardiologist performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, to assess ventricular function in a patient with a history of heart failure.
4. A cardiac electrophysiologist performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, to evaluate ventricular function in a patient with arrhythmias.
5. A cardiovascular surgeon performs left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, as part of a diagnostic workup for a patient with congenital heart disease.
6. A cardiac nurse practitioner assists a cardiologist in performing left heart catheterization, including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed, to assess ventricular function in a patient with a recent myocardial infarction.