© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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 in a patient's natural environment, as it allows for the monitoring of fluctuations that may not be evident during a standard clinical visit. The procedure involves the use of a portable blood pressure cuff that is worn continuously on the upper arm, connected to a compact digital device that records blood pressure measurements at predetermined intervals throughout the day and night. This continuous monitoring helps to identify patterns such as elevated blood pressure during nighttime hours, which may indicate conditions like nocturnal hypertension, or to evaluate the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications in real-world settings. The data collected during the monitoring period is analyzed using specialized report-generating software, which compiles the readings into a comprehensive report. This report provides valuable insights into the patient's blood pressure behavior outside of the clinical environment, aiding healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. It is important to note that specific CPT® codes are designated for different aspects of the procedure, including the recording of data, scanning analysis, and interpretation of results, ensuring accurate billing and documentation of the services provided.
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Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is indicated for various clinical scenarios where understanding a patient's blood pressure patterns is essential. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring involves several key steps to ensure accurate and effective data collection:
Following the completion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the healthcare provider reviews the generated report with the patient. This report includes critical information such as average blood pressure readings, variability, and any instances of elevated blood pressure during specific times of the day or night. Based on the findings, the provider may discuss potential treatment options, adjustments to current medications, or further diagnostic evaluations if necessary. Patients are typically advised to follow up for a consultation to interpret the results and determine the next steps in their care plan. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the data collected is documented accurately for billing and compliance purposes.
| Short Descr | AMBL BP MNTR W/SW A/R | Medium Descr | AMBULATORY BP MNTR W/SW 24 HR+ SCANNING A/R | Long Descr | Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, utilizing report-generating software, automated, worn continuously for 24 hours or longer; scanning analysis with report | 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 | 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 | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 2020-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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