How To Use CPT Code 93609

CPT 93609 describes the procedure of intraventricular and/or intra-atrial mapping of tachycardia site(s) with catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites to identify the origin of tachycardia. 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 93609?

CPT 93609 can be used to describe the procedure of mapping the electrical activity in the heart to identify the origin of tachycardia. This code is used when a provider uses electrodes and catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites within the heart, specifically the ventricles and/or atria, to identify the source of the rapid heartbeat.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93609 is: ‘Intraventricular and/or intra-atrial mapping of tachycardia site(s) with catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites to identify the origin of tachycardia (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other primary codes, such as 93620, 93653, or 93656. It should not be reported with codes 93613 or 93654.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia as necessary.
2. A catheter with electrodes at its tip is percutaneously placed within the heart chambers using a standard technique.
3. The provider maps the endocardial surface by moving the catheter from point to point, recording the electrical signals during tachycardia or sinus rhythm.
4. Abnormalities in the electrical signals are identified, and additional mapping may be performed if new arrhythmias occur or at the end of the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93609 is performed on patients with irregular or abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) to identify the origin of tachycardia. The procedure involves mapping the electrical activity within the ventricles and/or atria of the heart. It is typically performed by a provider who specializes in electrophysiology studies (EPS) and has expertise in intracardiac procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 93609

CPT code 93609 should be used when a provider performs intraventricular and/or intra-atrial mapping of tachycardia site(s) with catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites. It is important to note that this code should be reported in addition to a primary procedure code, such as 93620, 93653, or 93656. It should not be reported with codes 93613 or 93654.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93609, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and indication for the procedure
• Details of the mapping procedure, including the specific sites mapped and any abnormalities identified
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional mapping performed during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93609, ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with an appropriate primary procedure code, such as 93620, 93653, or 93656. Do not report CPT 93609 with codes 93613 or 93654. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of add-on codes and any additional documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 93609 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2002, which expanded the description to include both intraventricular and intra-atrial mapping.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs intraventricular and intra-atrial mapping of tachycardia site(s) with catheter manipulation to record from multiple sites to identify the origin of tachycardia during an electrophysiological study.
2. During a cardiac procedure, a provider uses electrodes and catheter manipulation to map the electrical activity within the ventricles and identifies the source of tachycardia.
3. A patient with a history of arrhythmias undergoes intraventricular and intra-atrial mapping to determine the origin of their rapid heartbeat.
4. A provider performs catheter manipulation and records from multiple sites within the heart to identify the source of tachycardia in a patient with a known arrhythmia.
5. During an electrophysiological study, a provider maps the endocardial surface of the heart to identify abnormalities in the electrical signals and determine the origin of tachycardia.
6. A patient with recurrent tachycardia undergoes intraventricular and intra-atrial mapping to pinpoint the site(s) responsible for the rapid heartbeat.
7. A provider uses catheter manipulation and electrode recording to identify the origin of tachycardia in a patient with an irregular heart rhythm.