How To Use CPT Code 93462

CPT 93462 describes the procedure of left heart catheterization by transseptal puncture through intact septum or by transapical puncture. 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 93462?

CPT 93462 can be used to describe the procedure of left heart catheterization. This code is used when the provider enters the left ventricle of the heart either by puncturing the septum or by accessing the apex of the left ventricle directly. Left heart catheterization is performed to view internal structures, inject dye for imaging studies, or treat certain conditions. It is typically used when the left side of the heart is difficult to access, such as in patients with valve replacement.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93462 is: ‘Left heart catheterization by transseptal puncture through intact septum or by transapical puncture (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other specific codes depending on the primary procedure being performed.

3. Procedure

1. The provider determines the need for left heart catheterization and decides to enter the left ventricle through a transseptal or transapical puncture.
2. The provider introduces a catheter from the right femoral vein to the right atrium.
3. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the provider punctures the septum or the chest wall and inserts a catheter into the left atrium or ventricle.
4. The provider measures pressure, volume, and blood flow in the left atrium or ventricle.
5. The primary procedure continues after the left heart catheterization is performed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Left heart catheterization using CPT 93462 is performed in patients who require access to the left ventricle for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This procedure is typically used when the left side of the heart is difficult to access, such as in patients with valve replacement. It may be performed in conjunction with other specific procedures, and the appropriate codes should be used accordingly.

5. When to use CPT code 93462

CPT code 93462 should be used when the provider performs left heart catheterization through a transseptal puncture or transapical puncture. It is important to use this code in conjunction with the primary procedure code to accurately report the complete service provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93462, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for left heart catheterization
• Method of access (transseptal puncture or transapical puncture)
• Date and time of the procedure
• Fluoroscopic guidance used
• Specific measurements taken during the procedure
• Primary procedure performed in conjunction with left heart catheterization

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93462, ensure that the procedure is performed as described in the code description. It is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. Make sure to use the appropriate primary procedure code based on the specific service provided. Do not report CPT 93462 in conjunction with certain other codes, as specified in the notes. It is important to follow payer guidelines and provide accurate documentation to support the billing of CPT 93462.

8. Historical information

CPT 93462 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 through a transseptal puncture to view the internal structures of the left ventricle in a patient with suspected mitral valve disease.
2. An interventional radiologist performs left heart catheterization through a transapical puncture to inject dye for imaging studies in a patient undergoing transcatheter closure of a paravalvular leak.
3. A cardiac surgeon performs left heart catheterization through a transseptal puncture to access the left ventricle for percutaneous transcatheter closure of a ventricular septal defect.
4. An interventional cardiologist performs left heart catheterization through a transapical puncture to measure pressure and blood flow in the left ventricle during a complex cardiac procedure.
5. A cardiac electrophysiologist performs left heart catheterization through a transseptal puncture to guide the placement of an ablation catheter for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
6. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs left heart catheterization through a transapical puncture to inject dye and assess the patency of coronary arteries during a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
7. An interventional radiologist performs left heart catheterization through a transseptal puncture to inject contrast dye for imaging studies in a patient undergoing evaluation for suspected cardiac tumor.
8. A cardiac electrophysiologist performs left heart catheterization through a transapical puncture to measure pressure and blood flow in the left ventricle during a cardiac resynchronization therapy procedure.