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Official Description

External mobile cardiovascular telemetry with electrocardiographic recording, concurrent computerized real time data analysis and greater than 24 hours of accessible ECG data storage (retrievable with query) with ECG triggered and patient selected events transmitted to a remote attended surveillance center for up to 30 days; review and interpretation with report by a physician or other qualified health care professional

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93228 refers to a specialized procedure known as external mobile cardiovascular telemetry. This procedure involves the use of an electrocardiographic (ECG) recording system that is designed to monitor a patient's heart activity over an extended period, specifically greater than 24 hours. The system is equipped with a telemetry transmitter that is fitted to the patient, allowing for continuous monitoring of cardiac events. The telemetry transmitter collects data from an external cardiovascular monitoring system and transmits this information wirelessly to a telemetry receiver located at a monitoring station. This real-time data analysis is crucial for identifying any significant cardiac events that may require immediate medical attention.

During the monitoring period, which can last up to 30 days, clinical personnel at the monitoring station are responsible for acquiring and analyzing the transmitted data. They are trained to recognize and respond to cardiac events that may arise, ensuring that the physician or other qualified healthcare professional is promptly notified of any issues that require further review. The monitoring software plays a vital role in this process, as it can alert clinicians to potential cardiac events based on the data received.

The data collected during this procedure includes not only periodic ECG readings but also stored cardiac episodes, paced and sensed events from the heart chambers, and histograms that provide insights into the patient's cardiac function. Additionally, the telemetry system allows for the evaluation of device functions, such as battery voltage and impedance, pacing and shocking lead impedance, and the amplitude of sensed ECG voltage. Any programmed parameters can be assessed, and adjustments can be made as necessary to optimize the monitoring process.

At the conclusion of the monitoring period, the collected data is thoroughly reviewed and interpreted by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. A comprehensive report is generated, detailing the medical findings and any recommended treatment options based on the analysis of the ECG data. This procedure is essential for the ongoing assessment and management of patients with potential cardiac issues, providing valuable insights that can guide clinical decision-making.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 93228 is indicated for patients who require continuous monitoring of their cardiac activity due to various symptoms or conditions. These indications may include:

  • Cardiac Arrhythmias Patients experiencing irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias that necessitate close observation to determine their nature and frequency.
  • Post-Operative Monitoring Individuals recovering from cardiac surgery who need ongoing assessment of their heart function to ensure stability and detect any complications.
  • Unexplained Syncope Patients who have experienced unexplained fainting episodes, requiring monitoring to identify potential cardiac causes.
  • Chest Pain Individuals presenting with chest pain that may be of cardiac origin, necessitating further evaluation through continuous ECG monitoring.
  • Heart Failure Patients with heart failure who require monitoring to assess their cardiac status and response to treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 93228 involves several key steps to ensure effective monitoring of the patient's cardiac activity. These steps include:

  • Fitting the Telemetry Transmitter The patient is fitted with a telemetry transmitter that is connected to an external cardiovascular monitoring system. This device is designed to capture the electrical activity of the heart continuously.
  • Establishing Wireless Connection The telemetry transmitter transmits the collected data wirelessly, typically using a radio frequency link, to a telemetry receiver located at a monitoring station. This connection is crucial for real-time data analysis.
  • Data Acquisition and Analysis Clinical personnel at the monitoring station acquire the transmitted data and analyze it for any significant cardiac events. They utilize monitoring software that may alert them to potential issues requiring immediate attention.
  • Reviewing Transmitted Data The transmitted ECG and other relevant data are reviewed by clinical staff, either through printed readouts or on computer screens. This review includes periodic ECGs, stored cardiac episodes, and other critical metrics.
  • Monitoring Device Functionality The functionality of the telemetry device is assessed, including battery voltage, impedance, and the amplitude of sensed ECG voltage. Any necessary adjustments to programmed parameters are made to ensure optimal performance.
  • Data Interpretation and Reporting At the end of the monitoring period, the collected data is interpreted by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. A detailed report is generated, summarizing the medical findings and any recommended treatment options based on the analysis.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the monitoring period, which can last up to 30 days, the patient may be advised on follow-up care based on the findings from the telemetry data. The physician will review the report generated from the monitoring and discuss any necessary treatment plans or further diagnostic testing that may be required. Patients may also receive instructions on how to manage their condition moving forward, including lifestyle modifications or medication adjustments. Continuous communication between the patient and healthcare provider is essential to ensure optimal management of any identified cardiac issues.

Short Descr REMOTE 30 DAY ECG REV/REPORT
Medium Descr XTRNL MOBILE CV TELEMETRY W/I&REPORT 30 DAYS
Long Descr External mobile cardiovascular telemetry with electrocardiographic recording, concurrent computerized real time data analysis and greater than 24 hours of accessible ECG data storage (retrievable with query) with ECG triggered and patient selected events transmitted to a remote attended surveillance center for up to 30 days; review and interpretation with report by a physician or other qualified health care professional
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 2 - Professional Component Only 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 Items and Services Not Billable to the MAC
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2C - Other tests - EKG monitoring
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 203 - Electrographic cardiac monitoring
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
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.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised. Medium description changed. Location in hierarchy changed. Guideline information changed.
2009-01-01 Added -
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