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Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a diagnostic procedure designed to assess blood pressure variations over an extended period, typically 24 hours or longer. This method is particularly useful for capturing blood pressure readings during a patient's normal daily activities, which can provide insights into their blood pressure behavior outside of a clinical environment. The procedure involves the use of a portable blood pressure monitoring device that is worn continuously, allowing for the collection of data at regular intervals. This continuous monitoring can help identify conditions such as white coat hypertension, where a patient's blood pressure may be elevated in a clinical setting due to anxiety, as well as nocturnal hypertension, which refers to elevated blood pressure during sleep. Additionally, it can evaluate the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications by monitoring how well they control blood pressure throughout the day and night. The device consists of a blood pressure cuff that is placed around the upper arm and a compact digital monitor that can be secured to a belt. The monitor is programmed to automatically inflate the cuff, measure the blood pressure, and record the readings at specified intervals. After the monitoring period, the device is returned to the healthcare provider, who utilizes report-generating software to analyze the collected data. It is important to note that specific CPT® codes are designated for different aspects of this procedure: code 93784 is used when recording, scanning analysis, and interpretation with a report are performed; code 93786 is for recording only; code 93788 is for scanning analysis and report only; and code 93790 is for a review of the procedure with interpretation and report.
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Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is indicated for several clinical scenarios, including:
The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring procedure involves several key steps:
After the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring procedure, the healthcare provider reviews the generated report to assess the patient's blood pressure patterns. The provider may discuss the findings with the patient, including any identified issues such as elevated nighttime blood pressure or significant fluctuations throughout the day. Based on the results, the provider may recommend adjustments to the patient's treatment plan, including medication changes or lifestyle modifications. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and ensure effective management of their blood pressure.
| Short Descr | AMBL BP MNTR W/SW REC ONLY | Medium Descr | AMBULATORY BP MNTR W/SW 24 HR+ RECORDING ONLY | Long Descr | Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, utilizing report-generating software, automated, worn continuously for 24 hours or longer; recording only | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 3 - Technical Component Only Code | 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 | 01 - Procedure must be performed under the general supervision of a physician. | 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) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 62 - Other diagnostic cardiovascular procedures |
| 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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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Action
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Notes
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| 2020-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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