How To Use CPT Code 93790

CPT 93790 describes the procedure for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, which involves the continuous measurement of a patient’s blood pressure over a 24-hour period. 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 93790?

CPT 93790 can be used to describe the procedure for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. This involves the use of a device that automatically measures a patient’s blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. The results are recorded and later interpreted by a healthcare provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 93790 is: ‘Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, utilizing report-generating software, automated, worn continuously for 24 hours or longer; review with interpretation and report.’ This code specifically refers to the interpretation and reporting of the collected blood pressure data.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider or a technician fits the patient with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.
2. The patient wears the device continuously for 24 hours or longer, during which they perform their usual daily activities.
3. The device automatically records blood pressure readings at regular intervals on storage media.
4. The healthcare provider reviews the collected data, taking into account the patient’s medical history and reported activities.
5. The provider interprets the information and reports their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is typically performed to rule out white coat hypertension, a condition where blood pressure readings are higher in a healthcare setting but normal at home. Patients who may undergo this procedure are those suspected of having white coat hypertension or those who require continuous blood pressure monitoring for medical reasons.

5. When to use CPT code 93790

CPT code 93790 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the interpretation and reporting of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data. It is important to note that this code only covers the professional component of the procedure and does not include the recording and scanning analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 93790, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• Date and duration of the monitoring period
• Interpretation of the collected data
• Report of the provider’s findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 93790, ensure that the interpretation and reporting of the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data are performed by a qualified healthcare provider. It is important to follow the specific guidelines set by the payer regarding the use of this code. Additionally, be aware of any other codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 93790.

8. Historical information

CPT 93790 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been a few changes to the code, including updates to the description and the addition of report-generating software.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to rule out white coat hypertension. The healthcare provider reviews the collected data and interprets it, reporting their findings.
2. A patient with a suspected medical condition requires continuous blood pressure monitoring. The healthcare provider performs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, reviews the recorded data, and provides an interpretation and report.
3. A healthcare provider performs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a patient who needs long-term monitoring due to a chronic condition. The provider analyzes the collected data and reports their findings.
4. A patient participates in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess the effectiveness of their current hypertension treatment. The healthcare provider interprets the recorded data and provides a detailed report.
5. A patient with suspected white coat hypertension undergoes ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The healthcare provider reviews the collected data, interprets it, and reports their findings.
6. A healthcare provider performs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a patient with a history of fluctuating blood pressure. The provider analyzes the recorded data, interprets it, and provides a comprehensive report.
7. A patient requires ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess the impact of certain lifestyle changes on their blood pressure. The healthcare provider reviews the collected data, interprets it, and reports their findings.
8. A healthcare provider performs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a patient with a suspected blood pressure disorder. The provider analyzes the recorded data, interprets it, and provides a detailed report to aid in diagnosis.
9. A patient undergoes ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly prescribed medication. The healthcare provider reviews the collected data, interprets it, and reports their findings.
10. A healthcare provider performs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease. The provider analyzes the recorded data, interprets it, and provides a comprehensive report to aid in treatment planning.