How To Use CPT Code 93631

CPT 93631 describes the procedure of intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to locate the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction for surgical correction. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 93631?

CPT 93631 can be used to describe the technique of intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping during open heart surgery. This procedure involves recording the electrical activity of the heart directly from the epicardium and endocardium to pinpoint the source of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. It is performed to localize the site of tachycardia generating or arrhythmia generating foci for surgical correction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93631 is: ‘Intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to localize the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a venous sheath for femoral vein access before or during the surgery.
2. An electrode catheter is inserted through the venous sheath and advanced into the heart under fluoroscopic guidance for endocardial pacing.
3. Electrodes are placed on the outside of the heart for epicardial pacing.
4. The provider performs epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to initiate abnormal heart rhythms and record the spread of electrical signals.
5. The goal is to locate the source of the abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93631 is performed during open heart surgery to localize the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction for surgical correction. It is used when there is a need to identify and address abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. The procedure involves the use of epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping techniques to pinpoint the source of the abnormal heart rhythm.

5. When to use CPT code 93631

CPT code 93631 should be used when the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to locate the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction during open heart surgery. It is not appropriate to use this code for other procedures or diagnostic tests unrelated to surgical correction of abnormal heart rhythms.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93631, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need to localize the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction
• Details of the intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping techniques used
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Findings from the mapping procedure and the identified site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction
• Any additional surgical interventions performed based on the mapping results
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93631, ensure that the procedure is performed during open heart surgery and involves intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping. Use the appropriate modifiers if reporting only the professional or technical component of the service. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 93631 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. During open heart surgery, the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to locate the site of tachycardia for surgical correction.
2. In an open heart surgery procedure, the provider uses epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping techniques to identify the zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.
3. During a cardiac surgical procedure, the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to pinpoint the site of tachycardia generating foci.
4. In an open heart surgery, the provider utilizes epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to localize the zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.
5. During a surgical intervention for abnormal heart rhythms, the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to identify the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction.
6. In an open heart surgery, the provider uses epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping techniques to locate the site of tachycardia generating foci for surgical correction.
7. During a cardiac surgical procedure, the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to pinpoint the zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.
8. In an open heart surgery, the provider utilizes epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to identify the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.
9. During a surgical intervention for abnormal heart rhythms, the provider performs intra-operative epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping to localize the site of tachycardia or zone of slow conduction.
10. In an open heart surgery, the provider uses epicardial and endocardial pacing and mapping techniques to locate the zone of slow conduction for surgical correction.