© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 93644 pertains to the electrophysiologic evaluation of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator. This procedure is essential for assessing the functionality and effectiveness of the implanted device, which is designed to monitor and treat life-threatening arrhythmias. The evaluation includes several critical components: the defibrillation threshold evaluation, which determines the minimum energy required to successfully defibrillate the heart; the induction of arrhythmia, where a controlled arrhythmia is provoked to test the device's response; the evaluation of sensing capabilities for arrhythmia termination, ensuring the device can accurately detect and respond to abnormal heart rhythms; and the programming or reprogramming of sensing or therapeutic parameters to optimize the device's performance based on the patient's current medical status. Regular evaluations, typically conducted every 1-6 months by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist, are crucial for ensuring the device operates effectively, especially if the patient's condition changes or if the device fails to deliver appropriate treatment. The procedure also involves retrieving stored data from the defibrillator, which can provide insights into the frequency and nature of arrhythmias experienced by the patient, as well as any inappropriate shocks that may have been delivered due to misinterpretation of the heart's rhythm. This comprehensive evaluation process is vital for maintaining the safety and efficacy of the subcutaneous implantable defibrillator in managing the patient's cardiac health.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The electrophysiologic evaluation of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator, as described by CPT® Code 93644, is indicated for patients who have undergone implantation of the device and require regular monitoring to ensure its proper function. The following conditions may warrant this evaluation:
The procedure for the electrophysiologic evaluation of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator involves several key steps to ensure comprehensive assessment and optimization of the device:
Post-procedure care following the electrophysiologic evaluation of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications and ensuring that the device is functioning as intended. The patient may be observed for a short period to confirm stability after the procedure. Additionally, the healthcare provider will review the reprogrammed settings with the patient and provide instructions on any necessary follow-up appointments. Regular follow-up evaluations are essential to monitor the device's performance and the patient's cardiac health, ensuring timely adjustments are made as needed.
| Short Descr | EP EVAL SUBQ IMPL DFB | Medium Descr | EP EVAL SUBQ IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR | Long Descr | Electrophysiologic evaluation of subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (includes defibrillation threshold evaluation, induction of arrhythmia, evaluation of sensing for arrhythmia termination, and programming or reprogramming of sensing or therapeutic parameters) | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 |
| 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. | 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.) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 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 | Added | Added |
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