How To Use CPT Code 93616

CPT 93616 describes the procedure of esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s) using pacing. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93616?

CPT 93616 can be used to describe the procedure in which a provider inserts a catheter with a recording electrode tip into the esophagus to transmit pacing impulses and obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria. The provider may also record the ventricles. This code represents both the technical and professional components of the service.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93616 is: ‘Esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s); with pacing.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a catheter with a recording electrode tip into the esophagus through the nose or mouth.
2. The catheter is positioned at a specific site in the esophagus to detect atrial activity during arrhythmias.
3. The provider attaches the catheter to an electrical pacing device.
4. The provider transmits electrical impulses to the atria or ventricles to examine the heart’s reaction.
5. The electrodes on the tip of the catheter record the heart’s electrical activity in the atria and/or ventricles.
6. The provider may or may not record the electrical activity of the ventricles.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93616 is performed when a provider needs to detect atrial activity during arrhythmias and examine the heart’s reaction to electrical impulses. The procedure involves inserting a catheter with recording electrodes into the esophagus to obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria. The provider may also record the ventricles. This code represents both the technical and professional components of the service.

5. When to use CPT code 93616

CPT code 93616 should be used when a provider performs esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s) using pacing. It is important to note that if the provider only performs esophageal recordings to identify the atrial mechanism causing an arrhythmia without pacing, CPT code 93615 should be reported instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93616, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the insertion of the catheter and positioning in the esophagus
• Whether pacing was used and the electrical impulses transmitted to the atria or ventricles
• Recorded esophageal electrograms of the atria and/or ventricles
• Any additional findings or observations during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93616, ensure that the procedure involves esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with or without ventricular electrogram(s) using pacing. It is important to append the appropriate modifiers if reporting only the professional or technical component of the service. Additionally, consider the guidelines for reporting a global service when one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 93616 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 cardiologist performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with pacing to examine the heart’s reaction to electrical impulses in a patient with atrial fibrillation.
2. An electrophysiologist inserting a catheter with recording electrodes into the esophagus to obtain esophageal electrograms of the atria and ventricles in a patient with ventricular tachycardia.
3. A cardiac surgeon using pacing during esophageal recording of atrial electrogram to assess the effectiveness of a pacemaker in a patient with bradycardia.
4. An interventional cardiologist performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with pacing to evaluate the response of the atria to electrical impulses in a patient with supraventricular tachycardia.
5. A cardiac electrophysiologist recording esophageal electrograms of the atria and ventricles using pacing to assess the conduction system in a patient with heart block.
6. A cardiac nurse assisting a provider in the insertion of a catheter with recording electrodes into the esophagus for esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with pacing in a patient with arrhythmias.
7. An anesthesiologist using pacing during esophageal recording of atrial electrogram to monitor the heart’s electrical activity in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery.
8. A cardiac technician performing esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with pacing to evaluate the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medications in a patient with recurrent arrhythmias.
9. A cardiac researcher conducting esophageal recording of atrial electrogram with pacing to study the electrical activity of the heart in patients with various cardiac conditions.