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Official Description

Right heart catheterization for congenital heart defect(s) including imaging guidance by the proceduralist to advance the catheter to the target zone; abnormal native connections

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A right heart catheterization is a specialized medical procedure performed to assess and diagnose congenital heart defects. This procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the right side of the heart to evaluate the structure and function of the heart chambers and associated blood vessels. The process begins with the preparation of the catheter access site, typically located in the right femoral vein in the groin area. After cleansing the skin, a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort. A small incision is made, and a needle is inserted into the blood vessel, followed by the placement of a sheath to facilitate catheter insertion. A guidewire is then threaded through the venous system, allowing the catheter to be advanced into the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries. During the catheterization, the proceduralist inspects the right heart chambers and evaluates any congenital anomalies present. This includes measuring blood pressure within the right atrium and ventricle, as well as assessing oxygen levels. The tricuspid and pulmonary valves are also examined for any abnormalities. In cases where a detailed view of the heart's anatomy is required, a separately reportable angiogram may be performed to visualize the right heart chambers and pulmonary arteries. The procedure is particularly important for diagnosing congenital heart disease, as it helps identify both normal and abnormal connections between the heart chambers and great vessels. Normal connections allow for proper blood flow, while abnormal connections can lead to serious conditions such as cyanotic defects. Understanding these connections is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment of patients with congenital heart defects.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The right heart catheterization procedure is indicated for patients with congenital heart defects, particularly when there is a need to evaluate abnormal native connections within the heart. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various congenital cardiac anomalies that may affect blood flow and oxygenation. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Congenital Cardiac Anomalies Patients with structural heart defects that require assessment of the right heart chambers and associated vessels.
  • Evaluation of Abnormal Connections Situations where there are abnormal connections between the heart chambers and great vessels that may lead to altered blood flow patterns.
  • Assessment of Cyanotic Defects Conditions such as double outlet right ventricle, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of great vessels that necessitate detailed evaluation of right heart function.

2. Procedure

The right heart catheterization procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate assessment and diagnosis of congenital heart defects. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Preparation of the Access Site The skin over the catheter access site, typically the right femoral vein, is cleansed thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then injected to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Insertion of the Needle and Sheath A small stab incision is made in the skin, and a needle is carefully inserted into the blood vessel. Following this, a sheath is placed to facilitate the introduction of the catheter.
  • Threading the Guidewire A guidewire is threaded through the femoral vein, advancing through the external iliac vein and inferior vena cava until it reaches the right atrium. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the catheter.
  • Catheter Insertion The catheter is then inserted over the guidewire into the inferior vena cava, and subsequently advanced into the right atrium, right ventricle, and into the pulmonary arteries. This step allows for direct visualization and assessment of the right heart chambers.
  • Evaluation of Heart Chambers As the catheter is maneuvered through the right side of the heart, the proceduralist inspects the right heart chambers for any congenital anomalies. Blood pressure measurements are obtained from the right atrium and ventricle, and oxygen levels are assessed to evaluate heart function.
  • Inspection of Valves The tricuspid and pulmonary valves are examined for any structural abnormalities that may impact cardiac function.
  • Angiogram (if necessary) If further visualization is required, a separately reportable angiogram of the right heart chambers and/or pulmonary arteries may be performed to provide detailed imaging of the heart's anatomy.
  • Completion of the Procedure Once the evaluation is complete, the catheter is carefully withdrawn. Compression is applied to the venous access site to prevent bleeding, and a dressing is placed to protect the area.

3. Post-Procedure

After the right heart catheterization is completed, patients are typically monitored for any complications or adverse effects. The access site is observed for signs of bleeding or infection, and appropriate care is provided. Patients may be advised to rest and limit physical activity for a specified period to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the findings of the procedure and any necessary treatment plans based on the evaluation of the congenital heart defect.

Short Descr R HRT CATH CHD ABNL NT CNJ
Medium Descr R HRT CATH CHD W/IMG CATH TRGT ZON ABNL NT CONNJ
Long Descr Right heart catheterization for congenital heart defect(s) including imaging guidance by the proceduralist to advance the catheter to the target zone; abnormal native connections
Status Code Carriers Price the 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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1

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

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)
93563 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective coronary angiography during congenital heart catheterization (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93564 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective opacification of aortocoronary venous or arterial bypass graft(s) (eg, aortocoronary saphenous vein, free radial artery, or free mammary artery graft) to one or more coronary arteries and in situ arterial conduits (eg, internal mammary), whether native or used for bypass to one or more coronary arteries during congenital heart catheterization, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93565 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective left ventricular or left atrial angiography (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)
93571 Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve measurement (coronary vessel or graft) during coronary angiography including pharmacologically induced stress; initial vessel (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)
93584 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; anomalous or persistent superior vena cava when it exists as a second contralateral superior vena cava, with native drainage to heart (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93585 Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; azygos/hemiazygos venous system (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93586 Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; coronary sinus (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93587 Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; venovenous collaterals originating at or above the heart (eg, from innominate vein) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93588 Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; venovenous collaterals originating below the heart (eg, from the inferior vena cava) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93598 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Cardiac output measurement(s), thermodilution or other indicator dilution method, performed during cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of congenital heart defects (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)
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2022-01-01 Added Code added
Code
Description
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