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

Electrophysiologic evaluation of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads including defibrillation threshold evaluation (induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing and pacing for arrhythmia termination) at time of initial implantation or replacement; with testing of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator pulse generator

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An electrophysiologic evaluation of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads is a critical procedure performed during the initial implantation or replacement of these devices. This evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of the defibrillation threshold, which is the minimum energy level required to successfully terminate an induced arrhythmia. The process begins with the placement of transvenous leads, which are essential for monitoring and managing heart rhythms. Once the leads are in place, an arrhythmia is intentionally induced to test the functionality of the leads. This step is crucial as it allows healthcare professionals to verify that the leads are optimally positioned to sense the arrhythmia effectively. Additionally, the evaluation involves checking the pacing capabilities of the cardioverter-defibrillator to ensure it can appropriately respond to arrhythmias. The defibrillation threshold evaluation is particularly important, as it determines whether the energy delivered by the cardioverter-defibrillator is adequate to convert the arrhythmia back to a normal heart rhythm. The entire process ensures that both the leads and the pulse generator are functioning correctly, providing confidence in the device's ability to manage potential life-threatening arrhythmias. Use 93641 when the pulse generator is also tested during this evaluation.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The electrophysiologic evaluation of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Initial Implantation This procedure is performed when a new pacing cardioverter-defibrillator is being implanted to ensure proper lead placement and functionality.
  • Replacement of Device It is also indicated during the replacement of an existing pacing cardioverter-defibrillator to verify that the new device and leads are functioning correctly.
  • Assessment of Defibrillation Threshold The evaluation is necessary to determine the defibrillation threshold, ensuring that the device can effectively terminate any induced arrhythmias.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the proper functioning of the pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads and the pulse generator:

  • Step 1: Lead Placement The first step involves the careful placement of transvenous leads into the heart chambers. This is done under sterile conditions, and the leads are positioned to optimize sensing and pacing capabilities.
  • Step 2: Induction of Arrhythmia After the leads are securely placed, an arrhythmia is induced. This is a controlled process that allows the healthcare provider to simulate a heart rhythm abnormality, which is essential for testing the device's response.
  • Step 3: Evaluation of Sensing and Pacing Once the arrhythmia is induced, the leads are evaluated for their ability to sense the arrhythmia accurately. The pacing capabilities of the cardioverter-defibrillator are also assessed to ensure it can effectively respond to the arrhythmia.
  • Step 4: Defibrillation Threshold Evaluation The next step involves performing a defibrillation threshold evaluation. This step determines the minimum energy level required to successfully terminate the induced arrhythmia, ensuring that the device is set to deliver an adequate shock if needed.
  • Step 5: Confirmation of Normal Rhythm Finally, the leads are checked to confirm that the induced arrhythmia has been successfully converted back to a normal heart rate and rhythm, verifying the effectiveness of the pacing cardioverter-defibrillator.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications related to the implantation or evaluation process. Patients are typically observed for signs of infection, lead displacement, or other adverse effects. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the long-term functionality of the pacing cardioverter-defibrillator and to make any necessary adjustments to the device settings. Patients may also receive instructions on activity restrictions and signs of potential complications that should prompt immediate medical attention.

Short Descr EP EVL 1/2CHMB PAC CVDFB TST
Medium Descr EP EVAL 1/2CHMB PACG CVDFB LDS TSTG OF PULSE GEN
Long Descr Electrophysiologic evaluation of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator leads including defibrillation threshold evaluation (induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing and pacing for arrhythmia termination) at time of initial implantation or replacement; with testing of single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator pulse generator
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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 62 - Other diagnostic cardiovascular procedures
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.
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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).
57 Decision for surgery: an evaluation and management service that resulted in the initial decision to perform the surgery may be identified by adding modifier 57 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
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.
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
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
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2015-01-01 Note AMA Guidelines changed.
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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"