How To Use CPT Code 99192

CPT 99192 describes the assembly and operation of a mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger for the circulation and oxygenation of blood outside the body. 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 99192?

CPT 99192 can be used to describe the assembly and operation of a mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger for the circulation and oxygenation of blood outside the body. This code is used when a healthcare provider spends 30 minutes assembling and operating the pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger, which may or may not include monitoring the patient’s blood pressure and performing an electrocardiogram (ECG).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99192 is: ‘Assembly and operation of pump with oxygenator or heat exchanger (with or without ECG and/or pressure monitoring); 30 minutes.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares, tests, and manages the mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger system.
2. The system consists of interconnected devices that replace the heart and lungs, removing oxygen-deprived blood from the patient and replacing it with oxygen-rich blood.
3. The provider assembles the oxygenator under sterile conditions, following established protocols and checklist verification of proper circuit assembly and function.
4. The provider operates and manages the system, monitoring the patient’s blood pressures, temperatures, and electrocardiogram if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99192 is used when a healthcare provider assembles and operates a mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger for the circulation and oxygenation of blood outside the body. This service is typically performed during cardiac surgeries. The provider may or may not monitor the patient’s blood pressure and perform an electrocardiogram during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 99192

CPT code 99192 should be used when a healthcare provider spends 30 minutes assembling and operating a mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger. This code is appropriate for procedures involving the circulation and oxygenation of blood outside the body, such as during cardiac surgeries. It may or may not include monitoring the patient’s blood pressure and performing an electrocardiogram.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99192, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Description of the mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger system used
• Date and duration of the procedure (30 minutes)
• Any additional monitoring performed, such as blood pressure and electrocardiogram
• Any complications or issues encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99192, ensure that the healthcare provider spends 30 minutes assembling and operating the mechanical pump-oxygenator or heat exchanger. If the procedure includes monitoring the patient’s blood pressure and performing an electrocardiogram, these additional services should be documented separately. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when reporting CPT code 99192.

8. Historical information

CPT 99192 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2007, with a slight modification to the description. It was also added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A cardiac surgeon assembling and operating a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a cardiac surgery for 30 minutes.
2. An anesthesiologist managing the operation of a heat exchanger during a cardiac procedure for 30 minutes.
3. A perfusionist assembling and operating a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a heart transplant surgery for 30 minutes.
4. A cardiovascular technologist monitoring the patient’s blood pressure and operating a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a bypass surgery for 30 minutes.
5. A cardiac nurse assisting in the assembly and operation of a heat exchanger during a valve replacement surgery for 30 minutes.
6. A cardiothoracic surgeon overseeing the operation of a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a coronary artery bypass graft surgery for 30 minutes.
7. A perfusionist managing the assembly and operation of a heat exchanger during a lung transplant surgery for 30 minutes.
8. A cardiovascular technologist monitoring the patient’s electrocardiogram and operating a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a heart valve repair surgery for 30 minutes.
9. A cardiac nurse assisting in the assembly and operation of a heat exchanger during a ventricular assist device implantation for 30 minutes.
10. A cardiothoracic surgeon overseeing the operation of a mechanical pump-oxygenator during a heart-lung transplant surgery for 30 minutes.