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Official Description

Combined right and left heart catheterization including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 93453 refers to a comprehensive procedure known as combined right and left heart catheterization. This intricate process involves the simultaneous assessment of both the right and left sides of the heart, which is crucial for diagnosing various cardiovascular conditions. The procedure begins with right heart catheterization, typically accessed through the right femoral vein located in the groin area. A small incision is made to insert a needle into the blood vessel, followed by the placement of a sheath. A guidewire is then navigated through the venous system into the right atrium, allowing for the insertion of a catheter. This catheterization enables the evaluation of the right heart chambers, measurement of pressures, and assessment of oxygen levels, as well as inspection of the tricuspid and pulmonary valves. Following the right heart assessment, the procedure transitions to left heart catheterization. This phase involves accessing the left side of the heart through the brachial, axillary, or femoral artery, where a local anesthetic is administered. A needle punctures the artery, and a sheath is placed to facilitate the introduction of a guidewire, which is threaded retrograde into the aorta and subsequently into the left heart. The catheter is positioned to allow for the inspection of the aortic valve, left ventricle, mitral valve, and left atrium, along with the measurement of left ventricular and atrial pressures. Contrast material may be injected to obtain a left ventriculogram, providing vital imaging data. Throughout the procedure, imaging supervision and interpretation are performed to ensure accurate results. The entire process culminates in the withdrawal of the catheters, application of pressure to the puncture sites, and the use of compression dressings. A comprehensive report detailing the findings from both the right and left heart catheterization, as well as any ventriculograms performed, is generated to inform further clinical decision-making.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The combined right and left heart catheterization procedure, represented by CPT® Code 93453, is indicated for a variety of cardiovascular assessments. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant this procedure:

  • Heart Failure - Evaluation of the underlying causes of heart failure, including assessing pressures in the heart chambers.
  • Coronary Artery Disease - Investigation of potential blockages or abnormalities in the coronary arteries that may affect heart function.
  • Valvular Heart Disease - Assessment of the function and structure of heart valves, including the aortic and mitral valves.
  • Congenital Heart Defects - Evaluation of structural heart defects present from birth that may affect blood flow.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias - Investigation of abnormal heart rhythms that may require intervention or further management.

2. Procedure

The procedure for combined right and left heart catheterization involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure accurate assessment and diagnosis of cardiac conditions:

  • Step 1: Right Heart Catheterization - The procedure typically begins with the right heart catheterization. The access site is usually the right femoral vein in the groin. A small stab incision is made in the skin, and a needle is inserted into the blood vessel, followed by the placement of a sheath. A guidewire is then threaded through the femoral vein, external iliac vein, inferior vena cava, and into the right atrium. Once the catheter is positioned, the guidewire is withdrawn. This allows for the inspection of the right heart chambers, measurement of pressures, and assessment of oxygen levels. The tricuspid and pulmonary valves are also inspected, and pressure gradients are obtained. If necessary, a separately reportable angiogram of the right heart and/or pulmonary arteries may be performed.
  • Step 2: Left Heart Catheterization - Following the right heart assessment, the left heart catheterization is performed. The skin over the brachial, axillary, or femoral artery is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered. A needle punctures the artery, and a sheath is placed. A guidewire is inserted and threaded retrograde through the artery into the aorta and into the left side of the heart. A catheter is then threaded over the guidewire and positioned in the left heart. The guidewire is removed, allowing for the inspection of the aortic valve, left ventricle, mitral valve, and left atrium. Left ventricular and atrial pressures, as well as pressure gradients across the aortic and mitral valves, are obtained. Contrast material is injected as needed to obtain a left ventriculogram. Additionally, separately reportable angiograms of the aorta and/or right heart chambers may be performed.
  • Step 3: Conclusion of the Procedure - Upon completion of the catheterizations, the catheters are withdrawn. Pressure is applied over the venous and arterial puncture sites to minimize bleeding, and compression dressings are applied to ensure proper healing. The results of the right and left heart catheterization, along with the ventriculogram, are reviewed, and a written report of findings is generated for further clinical evaluation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the combined right and left heart catheterization procedure, patients are typically monitored for any complications related to the access sites and overall cardiovascular status. It is essential to observe for signs of bleeding, hematoma formation, or infection at the puncture sites. Patients may be advised to rest and limit physical activity for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the findings from the catheterization and to determine any necessary further interventions or treatments based on the results obtained during the procedure.

Short Descr R&L HRT CATH W/VENTRICLGRPHY
Medium Descr R & L HRT CATH W/NJX L VENTRICULOG IMG S&I
Long Descr Combined right and left heart catheterization including intraprocedural injection(s) for left ventriculography, imaging supervision and interpretation, when performed
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 47 - Diagnostic cardiac catheterization, coronary arteriography

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

93462 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Left heart catheterization by transseptal puncture through intact septum or by transapical puncture (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93463 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Pharmacologic agent administration (eg, inhaled nitric oxide, intravenous infusion of nitroprusside, dobutamine, milrinone, or other agent) including assessing hemodynamic measurements before, during, after and repeat pharmacologic agent administration, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93464 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Physiologic exercise study (eg, bicycle or arm ergometry) including assessing hemodynamic measurements before and after (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93566 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective right ventricular or right atrial angiography (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93567 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for supravalvular aortography (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93568 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for nonselective pulmonary arterial angiography (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93569 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary arterial angiography, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93573 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary arterial angiography, bilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93574 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary venous angiography of each distinct pulmonary vein during cardiac catheterization (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93575 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary angiography of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) arising off the aorta or its systemic branches, during cardiac catheterization for congenital heart defects, each distinct vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93662 Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Intracardiac echocardiography during therapeutic/diagnostic intervention, including imaging supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
G0278 Add-on Code Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Iliac and/or femoral artery angiography, non-selective, bilateral or ipsilateral to catheter insertion, performed at the same time as cardiac catheterization and/or coronary angiography, includes positioning or placement of the catheter in the distal aorta or ipsilateral femoral or iliac artery, injection of dye, production of permanent images, and radiologic supervision and interpretation (list separately in addition to primary procedure)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2011-01-01 Added Added
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