How To Use CPT Code 93593

CPT 93593 describes the right heart catheterization procedure for congenital heart defects, specifically for patients with normal native connections. 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 93593?

CPT 93593 can be used to describe the right heart catheterization procedure performed on patients with congenital heart defects and normal native connections. This code is specifically used when the provider navigates a catheter through the blood vessels to the right side of the heart and takes samples to measure blood gases and perform other measurements.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93593 is: ‘Right heart catheterization for congenital heart defect(s) including imaging guidance by the proceduralist to advance the catheter to the target zone; normal native connections.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and makes a small incision in the arm or groin to access the target vessel.
2. A catheter is introduced into the target vessel and guided using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy.
3. The provider advances the catheter through the blood vessels to the right side of the heart, specifically targeting structures such as the right atrium, right ventricle, or pulmonary artery.
4. During the procedure, the provider may take blood samples to measure blood gases and perform Fick cardiac output measurements.
5. Once the necessary measurements and samples are obtained, the provider removes the catheter and any other instruments used.
6. Pressure is applied at the access site to prevent bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93593 is used for patients with congenital heart defects and normal native connections. This means that the blood flow follows the expected course through the heart chambers and great vessels, from the superior/inferior vena cava to the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries. The procedure is typically performed for conditions such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and others.

5. When to use CPT code 93593

CPT code 93593 should be used when performing a right heart catheterization procedure for patients with congenital heart defects and normal native connections. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the specific criteria for this code, including the presence of congenital heart defects and normal blood flow patterns through the heart.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93593, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of congenital heart defects
• Details of the right heart catheterization procedure, including the specific structures targeted
• Imaging guidance used during the procedure
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Measurements and samples obtained during the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93593, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria for this code, including the presence of congenital heart defects and normal native connections. It is important to review the guidelines and descriptors carefully to determine the appropriate code for congenital cardiac catheterizations. Additionally, consider any additional services or procedures performed during the right heart catheterization procedure and report them accordingly.

8. Historical information

CPT 93593 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a right heart catheterization procedure on a patient with an isolated atrial septal defect, obtaining blood samples and measurements to assess the severity of the defect.
2. During a right heart catheterization procedure, the provider identifies and measures the pressure in the right ventricle of a patient with a ventricular septal defect.
3. A patient with a patent ductus arteriosus undergoes a right heart catheterization procedure to assess the blood flow through the pulmonary artery.
4. During a right heart catheterization procedure, the provider measures the cardiac output of a patient with a complex congenital heart defect.
5. A provider performs a right heart catheterization procedure on a patient with an atrial septal defect, obtaining blood samples to measure oxygen saturation levels.
6. During a right heart catheterization procedure, the provider measures the pressure in the pulmonary artery of a patient with a congenital heart defect.
7. A patient with a ventricular septal defect undergoes a right heart catheterization procedure to assess the blood flow through the right atrium.
8. During a right heart catheterization procedure, the provider measures the cardiac output of a patient with a patent ductus arteriosus.
9. A provider performs a right heart catheterization procedure on a patient with a complex congenital heart defect, obtaining blood samples to measure oxygen saturation levels.
10. During a right heart catheterization procedure, the provider measures the pressure in the right ventricle of a patient with an atrial septal defect.