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Official Description

Programming device evaluation (in person) with iterative adjustment of the implantable device to test the function of the device and select optimal permanent programmed values with analysis, review and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional; implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93260 refers to a specific procedure known as programming device evaluation for an implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system. This procedure is conducted in person and involves a comprehensive assessment of the device's functionality. During the evaluation, iterative adjustments are made to the implantable device to ensure optimal performance. The process includes a thorough analysis and review conducted by a physician or another qualified healthcare professional, culminating in a written report detailing the findings and adjustments made. The patient is typically connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to facilitate real-time monitoring of cardiac activity. This evaluation is crucial for determining the appropriate programmed values that will be permanently set in the device, ensuring that it functions effectively in managing the patient's cardiac health. The procedure encompasses various technical assessments, including the interrogation of stored data related to cardiac rhythms and episodes of tachyarrhythmia, as well as evaluations of pacing thresholds and potential issues with device integrity. Overall, this programming device evaluation is essential for optimizing the performance of the implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system and enhancing patient outcomes.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The programming device evaluation using CPT® Code 93260 is indicated for patients who have an implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system. This procedure is performed to ensure the device is functioning correctly and to optimize its programmed settings. The following conditions may warrant this evaluation:

  • Assessment of Device Functionality The procedure is indicated when there is a need to evaluate the operational status of the implantable defibrillator system.
  • Adjustment of Programmed Values It is performed to select optimal permanent programmed values for the device based on the patient's specific cardiac needs.
  • Review of Cardiac Rhythm Data The evaluation is necessary when there is a requirement to interrogate and analyze stored data related to the patient's cardiac rhythms and any episodes of tachyarrhythmia.
  • Pacing Function Assessment Indicated for assessing pacing capture thresholds and ensuring the integrity of leads and battery function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 93260 involves several detailed steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system:

  • Step 1: Patient Connection The patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to continuously assess cardiac rhythm during the evaluation. This connection allows for real-time monitoring of the heart's electrical activity.
  • Step 2: Device Connection A connection is established between the implantable defibrillator system and the programming device. This step is crucial for accessing the device's stored data and making necessary adjustments.
  • Step 3: Cardiac Rhythm Assessment The physician assesses the current cardiac rhythm, which includes reviewing any stored data related to previous cardiac rhythms and episodes of tachyarrhythmia. This comparison helps in understanding the patient's current cardiac status.
  • Step 4: Pacing Capture Threshold Assessment The pacing capture threshold is evaluated in each chamber of the heart. This assessment is vital for determining the effectiveness of the pacing function.
  • Step 5: Pacing Function Evaluation The pacing function is thoroughly assessed, including the evaluation of leads and battery status. Any issues related to pacing or device integrity are identified and addressed during this step.
  • Step 6: Sensing Threshold Data Collection Sensing threshold data is obtained from each chamber to ensure that the device can accurately detect cardiac events.
  • Step 7: Cross-Talk Evaluation The procedure includes evaluating cross-talk, which is the unintended stimulation of one chamber while sensing and activating another. This assessment is important for ensuring proper device function.
  • Step 8: Atrial and Ventricular Stimulation Atrial and ventricular stimulation is performed to evaluate the presence or absence of phrenic nerve stimulation, which can affect the device's performance.
  • Step 9: Iterative Programming Process An iterative programming process is utilized to adjust fixed or dynamic atrioventricular interval timing. This process is essential for optimizing the device's settings based on the patient's physiological responses.
  • Step 10: Parameter Adjustment Parameters are adjusted based on their effects on ventricular pacing, hemodynamics, and the heart's response to pacing. This ensures that the device is tailored to the patient's needs.
  • Step 11: Review of Exercise and Physiologic Stress Data Data related to exercise and physiological stress is reviewed to understand how the heart adapts to different conditions, which informs further adjustments.
  • Step 12: Reprogramming Any necessary reprogramming of the implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system is performed after a careful evaluation of all parameters to ensure optimal device performance.
  • Step 13: Patient Instructions Finally, the patient is provided with instructions regarding any required follow-up services or procedures, ensuring they are informed about their ongoing care.

3. Post-Procedure

After the programming device evaluation is completed, the patient may experience a period of monitoring to ensure that the adjustments made to the implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system are effective. The physician or qualified healthcare professional will review the results of the evaluation and any changes made to the device settings. Patients are typically advised on follow-up appointments to reassess the device's performance and to monitor for any potential complications. Additionally, instructions regarding lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and signs of device malfunction may be provided to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. It is essential for patients to understand the importance of attending follow-up visits to maintain optimal device function and overall cardiac health.

Short Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL IMPLTBL SYS
Medium Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL IMPLANTABLE SUBQ LEAD DFB SYSTEM
Long Descr Programming device evaluation (in person) with iterative adjustment of the implantable device to test the function of the device and select optimal permanent programmed values with analysis, review and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional; implantable subcutaneous lead defibrillator system
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 6 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic cardiovascular services 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 STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
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.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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.
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.
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
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
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2015-01-01 Added Added
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