Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

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; review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified health care professional

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93272 refers to a specific type of external electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring that is designed to capture and record the heart's rhythm during a patient's normal daily activities. This procedure involves the use of an external ECG recording device, which is equipped with electrodes or leads that are placed on the patient's chest. The patient is instructed on how to use the device effectively. The monitoring occurs over a 24-hour period, during which the patient is continuously monitored while going about their routine. The device operates on a continuous loop mechanism, allowing it to store a single channel of ECG data in its memory. When the patient experiences symptoms such as palpitations or other irregular heartbeats, they can activate the monitor to capture the ECG data. This activation triggers the device to save the ECG information from the memory loop, which includes the 60 to 90 seconds of data 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 recording the onset of arrhythmias or other transient cardiac events. After the monitoring period, the recorded data is transmitted to a receiving station, where it is printed out for review. A physician or another qualified healthcare professional is responsible for reviewing and interpreting the ECG data collected during this monitoring process. It is important to note that this code is reported only once within a 30-day timeframe, ensuring that the monitoring and interpretation are appropriately accounted for in the patient's medical record and billing process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 93272 is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms suggestive of arrhythmias or other transient cardiac events. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Palpitations - Patients may experience an abnormal awareness of their heartbeat, which can be rapid, fluttering, or irregular.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness - These symptoms may occur in conjunction with irregular heart rhythms, indicating potential cardiac issues.
  • Syncope - Episodes of fainting or near-fainting can be related to arrhythmias, warranting monitoring to capture the underlying rhythm during such events.
  • Chest Pain - Patients presenting with unexplained chest pain may require ECG monitoring to rule out cardiac causes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 93272 involves several key steps to ensure accurate monitoring and data collection:

  • Device Preparation - The external ECG recording device is prepared for use, which includes ensuring that it is functioning properly and that all necessary components, such as electrodes or leads, are available.
  • Patient Education - The patient is instructed on how to wear the device and activate it when symptoms occur. This education is crucial for the successful capture of relevant ECG data.
  • Electrode Placement - Electrodes or leads are placed on the patient's chest in accordance with standard ECG placement protocols to ensure accurate data collection.
  • Monitoring Period - The patient wears the device for a continuous 24-hour period while engaging in their normal daily activities. The device records ECG data in a continuous loop, allowing for the capture of heart rhythm during both symptomatic and asymptomatic periods.
  • Symptom Activation - When the patient experiences symptoms, they activate the monitor, which saves the ECG data from the memory loop, including the 60-90 seconds prior to the symptom, the symptomatic period, and a brief period afterward.
  • Data Transmission - After the monitoring period, the recorded data is transmitted to a receiving station for further analysis.
  • Review and Interpretation - A physician or qualified healthcare professional reviews and interprets the ECG data, providing insights into the patient's cardiac health based on the recorded information.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing monitoring with CPT® Code 93272 typically involves follow-up communication regarding the results of the ECG interpretation. Patients may be advised on any necessary lifestyle modifications or further diagnostic testing based on the findings. Additionally, the physician may discuss the implications of the results and any potential treatment options if arrhythmias or other cardiac issues are identified. It is essential for patients to maintain open communication with their healthcare provider regarding any ongoing symptoms or concerns following the procedure.

Short Descr ECG/REVIEW INTERPRET ONLY
Medium Descr XTRNL PT ACTIVTD ECG DWNLD W/R&I 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; review and interpretation 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.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
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).
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.
93 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only 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 away 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 is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction.
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
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
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
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
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
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
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised. Medium description changed. Short description changed. Location in hierarchy changed. Guideline information 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.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"