How To Use CPT Code 93615

CPT code 93615 describes the procedure of esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s). 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 93615?

CPT 93615 can be used to describe the procedure of esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s). This code is used when a provider inserts a catheter to a specific esophageal site to detect the optimal location for receiving the signal and obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria. The procedure may or may not include ventricular recording.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93615 is: ‘Esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s);’.

3. Procedure

1. The provider passes an electrode-tipped catheter into the pharynx, either through the nose or through the mouth, and down to a specific point in the esophagus.
2. The recording electrodes on the tip of the catheter record the heart’s electrical activity in the atria.
3. The provider may or may not record the electrical activity within the ventricles.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed to obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria. It is used to detect atrial activity during arrhythmias. The provider may or may not record the electrical activity within the ventricles.

5. When to use CPT code 93615

CPT code 93615 should be used when a provider performs the esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s) procedure. It is important to note that this code represents both the technical and professional components of the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93615, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the procedure performed, including the insertion of the catheter and the recording of the atrial electrogram
• Whether ventricular electrogram(s) were recorded or not
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any relevant findings or observations
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93615, ensure that the procedure was performed by a qualified provider. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC unless the hospital provided the technical component. Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 93615 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later revised on January 1, 2010 to include the option of ventricular electrogram(s) recording.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram to detect atrial activity during arrhythmias.
2. An electrophysiologist inserting a catheter to obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria and ventricles for a patient with suspected arrhythmia.
3. A cardiac surgeon recording the electrical activity of the atria during a surgical procedure.
4. A cardiac technician assisting a provider in performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with ventricular electrogram(s) for a patient with a history of heart disease.
5. An interventional cardiologist using esophageal recording of atrial electrogram to guide the placement of a pacemaker.
6. A cardiac electrophysiologist performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with ventricular electrogram(s) to assess the effectiveness of an antiarrhythmic medication.
7. A cardiac nurse assisting a provider in performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram for a patient undergoing a cardiac ablation procedure.
8. A cardiac technician monitoring the electrical activity of the atria during a stress test.
9. An anesthesiologist using esophageal recording of atrial electrogram to monitor the heart’s electrical activity during a surgical procedure.
10. A cardiac electrophysiologist performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with ventricular electrogram(s) to evaluate the success of a previous ablation procedure.