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Signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) is a specialized diagnostic procedure that enhances the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) by capturing and analyzing the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period. During this test, the patient is positioned at rest, typically lying on an examination table, to ensure a stable environment for accurate readings. Electrodes are strategically placed on the chest, abdomen, and back to monitor the heart's electrical signals effectively. The procedure involves connecting lead wires from the ECG machine to these electrodes, allowing for the collection of multiple ECG tracings over a duration of approximately 20 minutes. This extended testing period enables the capture of several hundred cardiac cycles, significantly increasing the likelihood of identifying subtle cardiac abnormalities that may not be detectable in a standard ECG. A computer system processes the electrical signals obtained during the test, averaging them to provide a clearer picture of the heart's conduction system function. Following the completion of the SAECG, the physician meticulously reviews the recorded data and the accompanying computer analysis, ultimately delivering a comprehensive written interpretation of the findings to aid in clinical decision-making.
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The signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed assessment of the cardiac conduction system is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of SAECG:
The signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate data collection and analysis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG), there are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, as the test is non-invasive and does not involve any recovery time. Patients can generally resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, it is important for the physician to discuss the results with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where the interpretation of the SAECG findings will be reviewed. This discussion may include recommendations for further testing or treatment options based on the results obtained from the SAECG.
| Short Descr | ECG/SIGNAL-AVERAGED | Medium Descr | SIGNAL AVERAGED ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY W/WO ECG | Long Descr | Signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG), with or without ECG | 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) | T2C - Other tests - EKG monitoring | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 203 - Electrographic cardiac monitoring |
| 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). | 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. | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Location in hierarchy changed. |
| 1992-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1992. |
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