How To Use CPT Code 93618

CPT 93618 describes the induction of arrhythmia by electrical pacing. 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 93618?

CPT 93618 can be used to describe the procedure of inducing an arrhythmia using electrical pacing. This code is used when a provider inserts a catheter to stimulate the heartbeat and induce an irregular rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93618 is: ‘Under fluoroscopic guidance, the provider uses arterial or venous access to place the catheter at a specific site in the heart to perform programmed electrical stimulation or pacing to induce or attempt to induce an arrhythmia, an irregular rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to insert a catheter into the patient’s heart.
2. The catheter is placed at a specific site in the heart.
3. The provider performs programmed electrical stimulation or pacing to induce or attempt to induce an arrhythmia.
4. The pacing device attached to the catheter transmits intracardiac pacing impulses to stimulate the heartbeat.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93618 is performed when a provider needs to induce an arrhythmia for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance and requires arterial or venous access to place the catheter at a specific site in the heart. It is important to note that CPT 93618 should not be reported in conjunction with other codes for procedures that include pacing for arrhythmia induction.

5. When to use CPT code 93618

CPT code 93618 should be used when a provider needs to induce an arrhythmia using electrical pacing. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report this code with other codes that include pacing for arrhythmia induction. This procedure is rarely performed on its own, as further evaluative studies and mapping of the arrhythmia are usually conducted.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93618, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and the need to induce an arrhythmia
• Details of the catheter placement and the specific site in the heart
• Method used for programmed electrical stimulation or pacing
• Results of the procedure and any additional studies or mapping performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93618, ensure that the procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance and that the catheter is placed at a specific site in the heart. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report this code with other codes that include pacing for arrhythmia induction. This procedure is rarely performed on its own, as further evaluative studies and mapping of the arrhythmia are usually conducted.

8. Historical information

CPT 93618 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 CPT 93618 to induce an arrhythmia in a patient for diagnostic purposes.
2. An electrophysiologist using CPT 93618 to attempt to induce an arrhythmia in a patient with a known cardiac condition.
3. A cardiac surgeon performing CPT 93618 during a procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of a pacemaker.
4. A cardiac electrophysiologist using CPT 93618 to assess the response of a patient’s heart to electrical pacing.
5. A cardiovascular technologist assisting in the performance of CPT 93618 to gather data for further evaluation of a patient’s arrhythmia.
6. A cardiac nurse documenting the results of CPT 93618 in a patient’s medical record for future reference.
7. A medical coder assigning CPT 93618 based on the documentation provided by the healthcare provider.
8. A healthcare administrator ensuring that CPT 93618 is billed correctly and in compliance with coding guidelines.
9. A patient undergoing CPT 93618 as part of their treatment plan for a cardiac arrhythmia.
10. A healthcare auditor reviewing the documentation and billing for CPT 93618 to ensure accuracy and compliance.