How To Use CPT Code 93598

CPT 93598 describes the measurement of cardiac output during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects. 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 93598?

CPT 93598 can be used to describe the measurement of cardiac output during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects. This code is used when the provider calculates the volume of blood pumped by the heart over time by injecting a substance and then measuring its concentration or temperature.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93598 is: ‘Cardiac output measurement(s), thermodilution or other indicator dilution method, performed during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures and should not be reported with certain other codes.

3. Procedure

1. During cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, the provider uses thermodilution or another indicator dilution method to measure cardiac output.
2. For thermodilution, the provider may use a catheter to inject a chilled or room temperature solution into the right atrium.
3. A temperature probe at the injection site records the solution’s temperature before it enters the circulation.
4. The catheter records the brief fluctuation in temperature in the blood circulating in the heart.
5. Software computes the cardiac output using a formula and the data collected.
6. The provider may perform multiple injections and measurements and use an average to determine cardiac output.
7. Alternatively, the system may use a filament to heat blood in the right atrium at specific times and then show an average cardiac output.
8. After completing the measurements and primary catheterization procedure, the provider removes the catheter and any other instruments, and applies pressure at the access site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93598 is used when the measurement of cardiac output is performed during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects. This procedure is typically done in conjunction with other primary procedures related to the evaluation of these defects.

5. When to use CPT code 93598

CPT code 93598 should be used when the provider performs the measurement of cardiac output during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects. It should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. However, it should not be reported with certain other codes that are not applicable to this specific procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93598, the provider must document the following information:

• Documentation of the cardiac catheterization procedure for the evaluation of congenital heart defects
• Description of the method used to measure cardiac output (thermodilution or other indicator dilution method)
• Details of the substance injected and the temperature probe used
• Data collected during the procedure and the formula used to compute cardiac output
• Any additional measurements or calculations performed
• Documentation of the removal of the catheter and other instruments, and application of pressure at the access site

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93598, ensure that the measurement of cardiac output is performed during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It should not be reported with certain other codes that are not applicable to this specific procedure. It is important to review the descriptors and guidelines carefully to determine the appropriate code to report.

8. Historical information

CPT 93598 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 cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects and measures cardiac output using thermodilution during the procedure.
2. During cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, a provider uses another indicator dilution method to measure cardiac output.
3. Cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects is performed, and the provider calculates cardiac output by injecting a substance and measuring its concentration.
4. A patient undergoes cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, and the provider measures cardiac output by injecting a substance and measuring its temperature.
5. During cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, the provider uses a filament to heat blood in the right atrium at specific times and determines cardiac output based on the average measurements.
6. A provider performs cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects and measures cardiac output using a different indicator dilution method.
7. Cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects is performed, and the provider calculates cardiac output by injecting a substance and measuring its concentration at multiple points.
8. During cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, a provider measures cardiac output by injecting a substance and recording the brief fluctuation in temperature in the circulating blood.
9. A patient undergoes cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, and the provider uses thermodilution to measure cardiac output.
10. During cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects, the provider measures cardiac output using another indicator dilution method and performs additional calculations to determine the average value.