How To Use CPT Code 93655

CPT 93655 describes the intracardiac catheter ablation of a discrete mechanism of arrhythmia that is distinct from the primary ablated mechanism. 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 93655?

CPT 93655 can be used to describe the intracardiac catheter ablation of a specific mechanism of arrhythmia that is separate from the primary ablated mechanism. This code is used when the provider performs additional diagnostic maneuvers to treat a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia after the primary ablation procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93655 is: ‘Intracardiac catheter ablation of a discrete mechanism of arrhythmia which is distinct from the primary ablated mechanism, including repeat diagnostic maneuvers, to treat a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures such as 93653, 93654, and 93656.

3. Procedure

1. After the primary ablation procedure, the provider conducts electrophysiology testing to assess the electrical activity at multiple locations in the heart.
2. If necessary, the provider induces arrhythmias to identify the origin of the abnormal rhythm.
3. A specialized catheter is placed at the site of the discrete mechanism responsible for the arrhythmia.
4. The provider delivers radiofrequency energy through the catheter to destroy the source of the problem.
5. After completing the ablation, the provider removes the catheters and all instruments and applies pressure to the wounds.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 93655 is used when the provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat a discrete mechanism of arrhythmia that is separate from the primary ablated mechanism. This code is used in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to note that this code should only be reported if the provider performs repeat diagnostic maneuvers and treats a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia.

5. When to use CPT code 93655

CPT code 93655 should be used when the provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat a discrete mechanism of arrhythmia that is distinct from the primary ablated mechanism. This code should only be reported if the provider also performs repeat diagnostic maneuvers and treats a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia. It is important to use this code in conjunction with the appropriate code for the primary procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93655, the provider must document the following information:

• Explanation of the discrete mechanism of arrhythmia being treated
• Description of the repeat diagnostic maneuvers performed
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Details of the ablation procedure, including the specific site targeted and the radiofrequency energy used
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93655, ensure that the provider has already performed the primary procedure and is now treating a discrete mechanism of arrhythmia. This code should be listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to report this code only if the provider also performs repeat diagnostic maneuvers and treats a spontaneous or induced arrhythmia. Do not report CPT 93655 if the primary procedure has not been performed. Additionally, make sure to use the appropriate code for the primary procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 93655 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. During the electrophysiology testing, the provider identifies a separate mechanism responsible for ventricular tachycardia. The provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat the ventricular tachycardia mechanism. CPT code 93655 should be reported in addition to the code for the primary ablation procedure.
2. After performing an ablation procedure for supraventricular tachycardia, the provider discovers a discrete mechanism responsible for atrial flutter. The provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat the atrial flutter mechanism. CPT code 93655 should be reported along with the code for the primary ablation procedure.
3. During an ablation procedure for ventricular fibrillation, the provider identifies a separate mechanism responsible for premature ventricular contractions. The provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat the premature ventricular contractions mechanism. CPT code 93655 should be reported in addition to the code for the primary ablation procedure.
4. After performing an ablation procedure for atrial flutter, the provider discovers a discrete mechanism responsible for atrial fibrillation. The provider performs intracardiac catheter ablation to treat the atrial fibrillation mechanism. CPT code 93655 should be reported along with the code for the primary ablation procedure.