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The CPT® Code 93271 refers to a specific type of electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring procedure that involves the use of an external device to record the heart's rhythm. This procedure is designed to capture and analyze ECG data while the patient engages in their normal daily activities. During this process, electrodes or leads are affixed to the patient's chest, allowing for continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical activity. The device operates on a loop mechanism, which means it continuously records data and refreshes its memory. When the patient experiences symptoms, they can activate the monitor to save the ECG data from the memory loop. This saved data includes a segment of 60 to 90 seconds prior to the symptom occurrence, the duration of the symptomatic episode, and a brief period following the cessation of symptoms. This capability is crucial for identifying and documenting transient cardiac events, such as arrhythmias. After the data is recorded, it is transmitted to a designated receiving station for further analysis. A printout of the ECG data is generated, which is then reviewed and interpreted by a physician or qualified healthcare professional. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the receipt of transmissions and analysis of the ECG data, and it is reported only once within a 30-day period.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 93271 is indicated for patients who experience symptoms suggestive of cardiac arrhythmias or other transient cardiac events. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, or chest pain. The monitoring is particularly useful for patients whose symptoms are infrequent or unpredictable, allowing for the capture of ECG data during episodes that may not occur during a standard clinical evaluation. The ability to record and analyze the heart's rhythm during normal daily activities enhances the likelihood of identifying the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms.
The procedure for CPT® Code 93271 involves several key steps to ensure effective monitoring and data collection. First, the patient is prepared for the procedure by having electrodes or leads placed on their chest. This setup allows the external ECG recording device to continuously monitor the heart's electrical activity. The patient is then instructed on how to use the monitoring device, including how to activate it when they experience symptoms. The device operates in a continuous loop, recording ECG data and refreshing its memory regularly. When the patient experiences a symptom, they activate the monitor, which captures and saves the ECG data from the memory loop. This saved data includes the 60 to 90 seconds prior to the symptom occurrence, the duration of the symptomatic episode, and a brief period following the cessation of symptoms. After the data is recorded, it is transmitted to a receiving station for analysis. A printout of the ECG data is generated, which is subsequently reviewed and interpreted by a physician or qualified healthcare professional. This comprehensive approach allows for a thorough evaluation of the patient's cardiac rhythm and aids in diagnosing potential arrhythmias or other transient events.
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 93271, the patient may resume their normal activities, as the monitoring is designed to occur during regular daily routines. There are no specific post-procedure restrictions mentioned; however, patients should be advised to report any ongoing or new symptoms to their healthcare provider. The data collected will be analyzed, and the physician will provide feedback based on the findings. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the ECG data analysis.
| Short Descr | ECG/MONITORING AND ANALYSIS | Medium Descr | XTRNL PT ACTIVATED ECG REC DWNLD 30 DAYS | Long Descr | External patient and, when performed, auto activated electrocardiographic rhythm derived event recording with symptom-related memory loop with remote download capability up to 30 days, 24-hour attended monitoring; transmission and analysis | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 3 - Technical Component Only Code | 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 | 01 - Procedure must be performed under the general supervision of a physician. | 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) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2C - Other tests - EKG monitoring | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 203 - Electrographic cardiac monitoring |
| GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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). | 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 | 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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Date
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Action
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Notes
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| 2012-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2011-07-01 | Changed | Removed word "download" from long description per CPT corrections notice. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Long description revised. Medium description changed. Location in hierarchy changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| 2003-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1995-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1995. |
| 1986-12-31 | Deleted | Code deleted. |
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