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Official Description

Cardioassist-method of circulatory assist; external

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92971 refers to a specific method of circulatory assistance known as cardioassist, which is performed externally. This procedure involves the use of a catheter equipped with a balloon or another device that is inserted through the femoral artery. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is expanded within the aorta. The primary purpose of this intervention is to widen the artery, thereby promoting improved blood flow throughout the circulatory system. This technique is particularly relevant in situations where the patient's natural circulation is compromised, and external assistance is necessary to enhance perfusion and support overall cardiovascular function. The external nature of this procedure distinguishes it from other forms of circulatory assistance that may be performed internally, emphasizing its unique approach to managing circulatory issues.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 92971 is indicated for patients experiencing compromised circulation due to various cardiovascular conditions. The following are specific indications for performing this external cardioassist procedure:

  • Severe Aortic Stenosis - A condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart.
  • Cardiogenic Shock - A state where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, often following a heart attack.
  • Heart Failure - A chronic condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should, leading to inadequate circulation.
  • Myocardial Ischemia - A condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which can lead to chest pain or heart attacks.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 92971 involves several critical steps to ensure effective circulatory assistance. Each step is designed to facilitate the safe and efficient placement of the catheter and the subsequent expansion of the balloon within the aorta.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and the area of the femoral artery is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Sedation may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Catheter Insertion - A catheter is carefully inserted through the femoral artery. This step requires precision to ensure that the catheter is navigated correctly through the vascular system towards the aorta.
  • Step 3: Balloon Expansion - Once the catheter is in the correct position within the aorta, the balloon is inflated. This expansion is crucial as it widens the artery, thereby enhancing blood flow and alleviating the symptoms associated with compromised circulation.
  • Step 4: Monitoring and Adjustment - Throughout the procedure, the patient's vital signs and hemodynamic status are closely monitored. Adjustments may be made to the balloon inflation as necessary to optimize blood flow and ensure patient safety.
  • Step 5: Catheter Removal - After the procedure is completed and the desired outcomes are achieved, the catheter is carefully removed. The insertion site is then managed to prevent bleeding and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the cardioassist procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area to assess their response to the intervention. Post-procedure care includes monitoring vital signs, ensuring the insertion site is stable, and managing any discomfort. Patients may be advised to limit physical activity for a specified period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and to make any necessary adjustments to ongoing treatment plans. Additionally, healthcare providers will provide instructions regarding signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, that patients should be aware of as they recover.

Short Descr CARDIOASSIST EXTERNAL
Medium Descr CARDIOASSIST-METH CIRCULATORY ASSIST EXTERNAL
Long Descr Cardioassist-method of circulatory assist; external
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 50 - Extracorporeal circulation auxiliary to open heart procedures
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
LD Left anterior descending coronary artery
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2021-01-01 Note Guidelines changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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