How To Use CPT Code 93602

CPT 93602 describes the procedure of intra-atrial recording, which involves the recording of the electrical activity in one of the upper chambers of the heart. 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 93602?

CPT 93602 can be used to describe the procedure of intra-atrial recording, where the provider records the electrical activity in one of the upper chambers of the heart. This code is used when the provider makes a small incision over the femoral vein in the groin, advances a catheter through the vein up into the heart, and uses a sensor at the end of the catheter to measure the electrical activity in the atrium.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93602 is: ‘The provider records the electrical activity in the heart that controls the heartbeat, from within one of the upper chambers of the heart.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and places electrocardiogram leads on the patient’s arms and legs.
2. A small incision is made over the femoral vein in the groin.
3. The provider advances a catheter through the vein up into the heart, using fluoroscopic guidance to visualize the area.
4. A sensor at the end of the catheter measures the electrical activity in the atrium.
5. The provider withdraws the catheter and applies pressure to the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93602 is used when the provider records the electrical activity in one of the upper chambers of the heart. This procedure is typically performed by an electrophysiologist, a cardiology specialist qualified to perform electrophysiology studies. It is important to note that CPT 93602 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 93619, 93620, 93653, 93654, or 93656.

5. When to use CPT code 93602

CPT code 93602 should be used when the provider performs intra-atrial recording, specifically recording the electrical activity in one of the upper chambers of the heart. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not reported with other specific codes mentioned in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93602, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the procedure performed, including the location of the recording (atrium)
• Documentation of the patient’s prepping and anesthesia
• Documentation of the use of electrocardiogram leads
• Details of the incision made over the femoral vein
• Documentation of the catheter advancement and fluoroscopic guidance
• Measurement of the electrical activity in the atrium
• Documentation of catheter withdrawal and wound closure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93602, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for intra-atrial recording. It is important to review the documentation carefully to determine if any other specific codes should be reported in conjunction with CPT 93602. Additionally, be aware of the appropriate use of modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

CPT 93602 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs intra-atrial recording to assess the electrical activity in the left atrium of a patient with arrhythmia.
2. An electrophysiologist records the electrical activity in the right atrium of a patient during an electrophysiology study.
3. A provider uses CPT 93602 to document the electrical activity in the atrium of a patient with a history of irregular heartbeat.
4. An electrophysiologist performs intra-atrial recording to evaluate the conduction pathways in the heart of a patient with suspected abnormalities.
5. A provider records the electrical activity in the left atrium of a patient to assess the effectiveness of a previous cardiac procedure.
6. An electrophysiologist uses CPT 93602 to measure the electrical activity in the atrium of a patient with a known arrhythmia.
7. A provider performs intra-atrial recording to monitor the electrical activity in the atrium of a patient undergoing treatment for a heart condition.
8. An electrophysiologist records the electrical activity in the right atrium of a patient to determine the need for further intervention.
9. A provider uses CPT 93602 to document the electrical activity in the atrium of a patient with a family history of heart disease.
10. An electrophysiologist performs intra-atrial recording to assess the electrical activity in the atrium of a patient with symptoms of palpitations.