© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 0273T 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. This increased activity is interpreted by the brainstem as a signal of elevated arterial blood pressure, prompting the central nervous system to adjust sympathetic and vagal nerve outputs. As a result, this modulation leads to a decrease in both blood pressure and heart rate. During the evaluation, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, allowing for real-time assessment of cardiac function. A connection is established between the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device and the interrogation device, enabling the physician to perform a thorough interrogation of the device. The physician reviews the data obtained from the device to evaluate its functionality and the current programmed parameters. This includes a detailed analysis of stored device data, which is compared to previous data acquisitions to assess any changes in the patient's condition. The evaluation also involves monitoring the number and duration of events indicated by variations in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reviewing exercise and physiological stress data to observe how the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate adapt under different conditions. Additionally, the mechanical integrity of the device, including the leads and battery status, is assessed. Unlike the routine evaluation described in CPT® Code 0272T, which does not involve programming, the procedure associated with CPT® Code 0273T includes programming adjustments to the device. These adjustments may involve modifications to pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and daily therapy start/stop times, ensuring that the device is optimized for the patient's therapeutic needs.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 0273T is indicated for patients with refractory hypertension, where traditional methods of blood pressure management have proven ineffective. The carotid sinus baroreflex activation system is utilized to enhance the modulation of blood pressure and heart rate, which may be impaired in these patients. The evaluation is performed to ensure the device is functioning correctly and to assess the effectiveness of the therapy being provided.
The procedure begins with the patient being connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to continuously assess cardiac activity. Following this, a connection is established between the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device and the interrogation device. The physician then performs the interrogation, which involves retrieving and analyzing data from the implanted device. This data includes device 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 the interrogated data to evaluate the device's function and the current programmed parameters. A comparison is made between the stored device data and previous data acquisitions to identify any changes in the patient's condition. The physician assesses the number and duration of events indicated by fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, which helps in understanding the device's effectiveness in managing the patient's hypertension. Additionally, the physician reviews exercise and physiological stress data to observe how the patient's blood pressure and heart rate respond under different conditions. The evaluation also includes a mechanical assessment of the device, ensuring the integrity of the leads and the battery is intact. In this specific procedure, programming of the device is performed, which may involve adjustments to various parameters such as pulse amplitude, pulse width, therapy frequency, pathway mode, burst mode, and daily therapy start/stop times. This programming is crucial for tailoring the device's function to meet the individual therapeutic needs of the patient.
After the interrogation and programming of the carotid sinus baroreflex activation device, the physician informs the patient of the findings and any adjustments made to the device settings. A written report is provided, detailing the results of the evaluation and the programming changes implemented. The patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure stability following the procedure. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the device and to make any further adjustments as needed. It is important for the patient to report any unusual symptoms or changes in their condition to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | INTERROGATE CRTD SNS W/PGRMG | Medium Descr | INTROGATION DEV EVAL CARTD SINS BARREFLX W/PRGRM | 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); with programming | 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 | 63 - Other non-OR therapeutic 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit |
|
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.