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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; dual lead pacemaker system

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A programming device evaluation is a critical procedure performed on a dual lead pacemaker system. This evaluation involves an in-person assessment where the healthcare professional conducts iterative adjustments to the implantable device. The primary goal is to test the device's function and select the optimal permanent programmed values. During this process, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, allowing for real-time assessment of cardiac rhythm. The healthcare provider establishes a connection between the pacemaker device and the programming device to facilitate this evaluation.

Throughout the procedure, the healthcare professional assesses the cardiac rhythm and reviews summary data and recorded rhythm data to identify any evidence of arrhythmias. Additionally, stored pacemaker data is retrieved and analyzed to evaluate the current programming of the device. Key functions such as pacemaker capture and sensing are assessed, along with the integrity of the leads and the battery status. The evaluation also includes noting rhythm alerts and parameters, assessing tachycardia detection, and reviewing rhythm treatment settings.

Furthermore, the pacing capture threshold is measured, and parameters such as voltage, lead impedance, and pulse width are reviewed to ensure optimal device performance. The sensing threshold is also measured and adjusted as necessary to enhance the device's functionality. The healthcare professional reviews exercise and physiological stress data, noting heart rate adaptations, and makes adjustments to the programmed parameters as needed. If any reprogramming of the device is required, it is performed after a thorough evaluation of all programmed parameters. Finally, the patient receives instructions regarding any necessary follow-up services or procedures to ensure continued monitoring and care.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The programming device evaluation for a dual lead pacemaker system is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Assessment of Cardiac Rhythm: To evaluate the patient's cardiac rhythm and identify any arrhythmias that may require intervention.
  • Device Function Testing: To ensure the pacemaker is functioning correctly and to assess the effectiveness of the current programming.
  • Adjustment of Programming Parameters: To optimize the programmed values of the pacemaker based on the patient's physiological responses and needs.
  • Monitoring of Lead and Battery Status: To check the integrity of the leads and the battery life of the pacemaker, ensuring reliable operation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for programming device evaluation of a dual lead pacemaker system involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Connection to ECG Monitor - The patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to continuously assess cardiac rhythm during the evaluation. This connection is essential for real-time monitoring of the heart's electrical activity.
  • Step 2: Establishing Connection with Programming Device - A connection is established between the pacemaker device and the programming device. This allows the healthcare professional to access and modify the settings of the pacemaker as needed.
  • Step 3: Assessment of Cardiac Rhythm - The healthcare provider assesses the cardiac rhythm, reviewing summary data and recorded rhythm data for any signs of arrhythmias. This step is crucial for determining the effectiveness of the pacemaker's current settings.
  • Step 4: Retrieval and Review of Stored Data - Stored pacemaker data is retrieved and analyzed to evaluate the current programming of the device. This includes checking for any irregularities or issues that may need addressing.
  • Step 5: Evaluation of Capture and Sensing Functions - The pacemaker's capture and sensing functions are assessed, along with the leads and battery status. This ensures that the device is properly detecting and responding to the heart's electrical signals.
  • Step 6: Measurement of Pacing Capture Threshold - The pacing capture threshold is measured, and parameters such as voltage, lead impedance, and pulse width are reviewed. Adjustments are made as necessary to optimize device performance.
  • Step 7: Adjustment of Sensing Threshold - The sensing threshold is measured and adjusted as needed to ensure the pacemaker accurately detects the heart's activity.
  • Step 8: Review of Exercise and Physiological Data - Data related to exercise and physiological stress is reviewed, noting heart rate adaptations. This information helps in making informed adjustments to the programmed parameters.
  • Step 9: Reprogramming of Device - If necessary, the healthcare professional performs reprogramming of the device after a careful evaluation of all programmed parameters to ensure optimal function.
  • Step 10: Patient Instructions - After the evaluation and any necessary adjustments, the patient is given instructions regarding follow-up services or procedures that may be required.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the adjustments made during the programming evaluation. The healthcare professional may provide specific follow-up instructions, including scheduling future evaluations or monitoring appointments. Patients are advised to report any unusual symptoms or concerns that may arise after the procedure. Additionally, the healthcare provider may document the findings and adjustments made during the evaluation in the patient's medical record, ensuring continuity of care and proper tracking of the pacemaker's performance over time.

Short Descr PM DEVICE PROGR EVAL DUAL
Medium Descr PROGRAM EVAL IMPLANTABLE IN PERSN DUAL LD PACER
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; dual lead pacemaker 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) 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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
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.
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.
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
23 Unusual anesthesia: occasionally, a procedure, which usually requires either no anesthesia or local anesthesia, because of unusual circumstances must be done under general anesthesia. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 23 to the procedure code of the basic service.
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.
27 Multiple outpatient hospital e/m encounters on the same date: for hospital outpatient reporting purposes, utilization of hospital resources related to separate and distinct e/m encounters performed in multiple outpatient hospital settings on the same date may be reported by adding modifier 27 to each appropriate level outpatient and/or emergency department e/m code(s). this modifier provides a means of reporting circumstances involving evaluation and management services provided by physician(s) in more than one (multiple) outpatient hospital setting(s) (eg, hospital emergency department, clinic). note: this modifier is not to be used for physician reporting of multiple e/m services performed by the same physician on the same date. for physician reporting of all outpatient evaluation and management services provided by the same physician on the same date and performed in multiple outpatient setting(s) (eg, hospital emergency department, clinic), see evaluation and management, emergency department, or preventive medicine services codes.
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).
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.)
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.
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.
97 Rehabilitative services: when a service or procedure that may be either habilitative or rehabilitative in nature is provided for rehabilitative purposes, the physician or other qualified health care professional may add modifier 97 to the service or procedure code to indicate that the service or procedure provided was a rehabilitative service. rehabilitative services help an individual keep, get back, or improve skills and functioning for daily living that have been lost or impaired because the individual was sick, hurt, or disabled.
AF Specialty physician
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
NB Nebulizer system, any type, fda-cleared for use with specific drug
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
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
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
Q8 Two class b findings
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
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
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2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2009-01-01 Added -
1993-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
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