© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 0272T refers to an in-person interrogation device evaluation specifically for a carotid sinus baroreflex activation system. This procedure is essential for patients suffering from refractory hypertension, where the body's ability to regulate blood pressure and heart rate through the carotid sinus baroreflex is compromised. The implanted baroreflex activation device works by enhancing the electrical activity in the carotid baroreceptor afferent nerves, which the brain interprets as an increase in arterial blood pressure. In response, the central nervous system adjusts the sympathetic and vagus nerve outputs, leading to a reduction in both blood pressure and heart rate. The interrogation evaluation involves connecting the patient to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor and establishing a link between the implanted device and the interrogation device. This process allows for a thorough assessment of the device's functionality, including the review of device diagnostics and programmed therapy values. The physician analyzes the collected data to ensure the device is operating correctly and to identify any potential issues that may affect the patient's treatment. A comprehensive report detailing the findings is generated for the patient, ensuring they are informed about their device's performance and any necessary follow-up actions.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The interrogation device evaluation using CPT® Code 0272T is indicated for patients with refractory hypertension, particularly when there is a need to assess the functionality of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system. This evaluation is performed routinely or when patients present with symptoms or complaints that may suggest device malfunction or alterations in cardiac function.
The procedure for CPT® Code 0272T involves several critical steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation system. First, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to continuously track heart activity during the evaluation. Next, a connection is established between the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device and the interrogation device, allowing for data transfer. The physician then performs the interrogation, which involves retrieving and analyzing stored data from the device. This data includes diagnostics such as battery status, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and daily therapy start/stop times. The physician reviews this information to assess the device's function and current programmed parameters. Additionally, the number and duration of events, indicated by changes in blood pressure and heart rate, are evaluated to determine the device's effectiveness. The physician also examines exercise and physiological stress data to observe how the patient's blood pressure and heart rate adapt under different conditions. Furthermore, the mechanical function of the device is assessed, including the integrity of the leads and battery. Importantly, no programming of the device occurs during this evaluation. Finally, the patient is informed of the findings, and a written report summarizing the evaluation is provided.
After the interrogation device evaluation is completed, the patient receives a detailed report outlining the findings of the assessment. This report includes information on the device's performance, any identified issues, and recommendations for follow-up care if necessary. The physician may discuss the results with the patient, addressing any concerns or questions regarding the device's functionality and the management of their hypertension. Since no programming of the device is performed during this evaluation, any adjustments to the device settings would require a separate procedure, such as that described by CPT® Code 0273T. Patients are advised to monitor their symptoms and report any changes or concerns to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | INTERROGATE CRTD SNS DEV | Medium Descr | INTRGORTION DEV EVAL CARTD SINS BARREFLX W/I&R | Long Descr | Interrogation device evaluation (in person), carotid sinus baroreflex activation system, including telemetric iterative communication with the implantable device to monitor device diagnostics and programmed therapy values, with interpretation and report (eg, battery status, lead impedance, pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, therapy start/stop times each day); | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 62 - Other diagnostic cardiovascular procedures |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2012-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book |
| 2011-07-01 | Added | Code implemented |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.