Question

Allen was diagnosed with arrhythmia and his physician inserted a pacemaker. What information about the service do you need in order to correctly code a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator? How do you code the replacement of a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator?

Answer 1

Information needed in order to correctly code a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator:

• Whether the pacemaker insertion is new or replacement or repositioning of old one.
• Where the transvenous electrodes placed: atrial, ventricular, both atrial and ventricular.
• Is it an insertion of the whole system or pulse generator only?
• What type of leads used: single lead, dual lead or multiple leads.
• Is there is any need for device evaluation?
• it is done in what settings: outpatient, inpatient, or ambulatory care settings.
• What type of approach is used: an open approach or percutaneous approach.

Code for replacement of a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator:

33227 - Removal of the permanent pacemaker generator with the replacement of a new pacemaker generator with the single lead.

33228- For dual system

33229- For multiple lead system.

33262 - Removal of pacing cardioverter-defibrillator pulse generator with the replacement of pacing cardioverter-defibrillator for the single lead system.

33263 - For dual lead system

33264- For multiple lead system.