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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; subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A programming device evaluation is a critical procedure performed on a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor 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 optimal permanent programmed values. During this process, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, allowing for real-time monitoring of cardiac activity. The healthcare provider establishes a connection between the cardiac rhythm monitor system and the programming device to facilitate data retrieval and analysis. The evaluation includes a comprehensive review of stored data, where alert conditions are identified and assessed. Current data is compared with historical data to evaluate the device's performance over time. Key aspects of device function, such as signal strength and battery voltage, are meticulously assessed. The procedure also involves evaluating sensing thresholds for detecting tachycardia and bradycardia through a systematic approach. This includes recording the monitor signal and adjusting the sensing criteria until the optimal threshold is achieved. Additionally, the evaluation encompasses a review of patient-activated and automatically recorded rhythm episodes. The healthcare professional downloads and analyzes data for various arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia, and atrioventricular block. The review process also includes an examination of rhythm alerts and recording parameters, with programming adjustments made as necessary to enhance the capture of rhythm episodes. Finally, the total device memory capacity and the recording capacity for both patient-activated and automatically detected episodes are checked. Pre- and post-episode recordings are assessed, and any required reprogramming is performed after a thorough evaluation of all parameters. The patient receives instructions regarding any necessary follow-up services or procedures, ensuring they are well-informed about their ongoing care.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The programming device evaluation is indicated for patients who have a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system. This procedure is typically performed to assess and optimize the functionality of the device, ensuring it effectively monitors and records cardiac rhythms. Specific indications for this evaluation may include:

  • Assessment of Device Functionality The evaluation is performed to ensure the device is functioning correctly and to identify any potential issues that may affect its performance.
  • Adjustment of Sensing Thresholds The procedure is indicated for evaluating and adjusting the sensing thresholds for detecting tachycardia and bradycardia, ensuring accurate detection of abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Review of Recorded Episodes It is indicated for reviewing patient-activated and automatically recorded rhythm episodes to analyze the patient's cardiac events and determine the need for any programming adjustments.
  • Optimization of Programming Values The evaluation aims to select optimal permanent programmed values for the device to enhance its effectiveness in monitoring cardiac rhythms.

2. Procedure

The procedure for programming device evaluation involves several detailed steps to ensure comprehensive assessment and optimization of the subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system. Each step is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes:

  • Step 1: Patient Connection The patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to facilitate real-time monitoring of cardiac activity during the evaluation.
  • Step 2: Establishing Connection A connection is established between the cardiac rhythm monitor system and the programming device, allowing for data retrieval and analysis.
  • Step 3: Data Retrieval Stored data from the device is retrieved, enabling the healthcare professional to review historical and current data for comparison.
  • Step 4: Alert Condition Review Alert conditions are identified and reviewed to assess any potential issues that may require attention.
  • Step 5: Device Function Assessment The function of the device is assessed, including checking signal strength and battery voltage to ensure optimal performance.
  • Step 6: Sensing Threshold Evaluation Sensing thresholds for detecting tachycardia and bradycardia are evaluated through a step-by-step process, which includes recording the monitor signal and adjusting the sensing criteria until the optimal threshold is attained.
  • Step 7: Rhythm Episode Review Patient-activated and automatically recorded rhythm episodes are reviewed to analyze the patient's cardiac events and determine the need for programming adjustments.
  • Step 8: Data Download and Analysis The data is downloaded and reviewed for various arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia, and atrioventricular block.
  • Step 9: Programming Adjustments Rhythm alerts and recording parameters are reviewed, and programming is performed as needed to optimize the capture of rhythm episodes.
  • Step 10: Memory Capacity Check The total device memory capacity is checked, as well as the recording capacity for the number of patient-activated and automatically detected episodes.
  • Step 11: Pre- and Post-Episode Assessment Pre- and post-episode recordings are assessed and adjusted as needed to ensure accurate monitoring.
  • Step 12: Reprogramming Any necessary reprogramming is performed after careful evaluation of all parameters to ensure the device operates effectively.
  • Step 13: Patient Instructions The patient is given instructions regarding any required follow-up services or procedures to ensure they are informed about their ongoing care.

3. Post-Procedure

After the programming device evaluation, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure that the device is functioning correctly and that any adjustments made are effective. The healthcare professional will provide the patient with specific instructions regarding follow-up services or procedures that may be necessary. This may include scheduling future evaluations or monitoring appointments to ensure continued optimal performance of the cardiac rhythm monitor system. Patients are also advised to report any unusual symptoms or concerns that may arise following the procedure, ensuring timely intervention if needed.

Short Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL SCRMS IP
Medium Descr PRGRMG DEV EVAL SCRMS PHYS/QHP IN PERSON
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; subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor 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) T2D - Other tests - other
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.
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.
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).
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
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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.
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.
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.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
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
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
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2009-01-01 Added -
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