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

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; single lead pacemaker system or leadless pacemaker system in one cardiac chamber

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93279 refers to a specific procedure known as a programming device evaluation for a single lead pacemaker system or a leadless pacemaker system in one cardiac chamber. This procedure involves an in-person assessment where a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physician, performs an iterative adjustment of the implantable device. The primary goal of this evaluation is to test the functionality of the pacemaker device and to select the optimal permanent programmed values that will ensure effective cardiac pacing. During the evaluation, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, allowing for real-time assessment of the heart's electrical activity. The healthcare professional establishes a connection between the pacemaker device and a programming device, facilitating the retrieval and analysis of stored data. This includes reviewing summary data and recorded rhythm data to identify any arrhythmias, assessing the pacemaker's capture and sensing functions, and evaluating the leads and battery status. The procedure also involves measuring pacing capture thresholds, lead impedance, and pulse width parameters, as well as adjusting the sensing threshold as necessary. Additionally, the healthcare professional reviews exercise and physiologic stress data to observe heart rate adaptations and makes any required adjustments to the programmed parameters. Following the evaluation, the patient receives instructions regarding any necessary follow-up services or procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures that the pacemaker functions optimally, enhancing patient care and outcomes.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The programming device evaluation using CPT® Code 93279 is indicated for patients who have a single lead pacemaker system or a leadless pacemaker system in one cardiac chamber. The procedure is performed to assess the functionality of the pacemaker device, ensure proper pacing, and optimize the programmed settings for effective cardiac management. Specific indications for this procedure may include:

  • Assessment of Cardiac Rhythm: To evaluate the heart's electrical activity and identify any arrhythmias that may require intervention.
  • Device Functionality Testing: To ensure that the pacemaker is functioning correctly and to assess the capture and sensing capabilities of the device.
  • Adjustment of Programming Parameters: To optimize the permanent programmed values based on the patient's physiological responses and exercise data.
  • Monitoring of Battery and Lead Status: To check the integrity of the pacemaker leads and battery life, ensuring the device is ready for continued use.

2. Procedure

The procedure for programming device evaluation as described by CPT® Code 93279 involves several critical steps to ensure thorough assessment and optimization of the pacemaker device. The steps include:

  • Patient Connection to ECG Monitor: The patient is first connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, which allows for continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical activity during the evaluation.
  • Establishing Connection with Programming Device: A connection is established between the pacemaker device and the programming device, enabling the retrieval of stored data and facilitating adjustments to the device settings.
  • Assessment of Cardiac Rhythm: The healthcare professional assesses the cardiac rhythm to identify any irregularities or arrhythmias that may be present, using the data obtained from the ECG monitor.
  • Review of Summary and Recorded Data: Summary data and recorded rhythm data are reviewed to evaluate the patient's heart activity and to check for evidence of arrhythmias that may require attention.
  • Retrieval and Evaluation of Stored Pacemaker Data: Stored data from the pacemaker is retrieved and analyzed to assess the current programming and performance of the device, including capture and sensing functions.
  • Assessment of Leads and Battery: The leads and battery status are evaluated to ensure they are functioning properly and that the device is ready for continued use.
  • Measurement of Pacing Capture Threshold: The pacing capture threshold is measured to determine the minimum electrical output required to stimulate the heart effectively.
  • Review of Voltage, Lead Impedance, and Pulse Width: Parameters such as voltage, lead impedance, and pulse width are reviewed to ensure optimal device performance.
  • Adjustment of Sensing Threshold: The sensing threshold is measured and adjusted as needed to ensure accurate detection of the heart's electrical signals.
  • Review of Exercise and Physiologic Stress Data: Data related to exercise and physiological stress is reviewed to observe heart rate adaptations and to make necessary adjustments to the programmed parameters.
  • Reprogramming of the Device: Any necessary reprogramming of the device is performed after careful evaluation of all programmed parameters to ensure optimal performance.
  • Patient Instructions: Finally, the patient is provided with instructions regarding any required follow-up services or procedures to ensure ongoing monitoring and care.

3. Post-Procedure

After the programming device evaluation is completed, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure that the pacemaker is functioning correctly with the newly programmed settings. The healthcare professional will provide the patient with specific instructions regarding any follow-up appointments or additional procedures that may be necessary. It is important for the patient to adhere to these instructions to ensure optimal device performance and to address any potential issues that may arise. Regular follow-up evaluations may be recommended to monitor the pacemaker's function and to make further adjustments as needed based on the patient's ongoing cardiac health.

Short Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL PM/LDLS PM
Medium Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL 1 LEAD PM/LDLS PM 1 CAR CHMBR IP
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; single lead pacemaker system or leadless pacemaker system in one cardiac chamber
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) 1 - Medical Care
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.
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
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.
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
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.)
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.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
ET Emergency services
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
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
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
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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2009-01-01 Added -
Code
Description
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"