CCC CCC Cardiac Procedures & Interventional Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CPT code range covers percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, including balloon angioplasty of coronary arteries?
- 92920–92944 (Correct answer)
- 33400–33430
- 93454–93461
- 93530–93533
Correct answer: 92920–92944
CPT codes 92920–92944 describe percutaneous revascularization services for coronary artery disease, including angioplasty and stenting.
Question 2: When coding a diagnostic left heart catheterization with coronary angiography, which code set is most appropriate?
- CPT 93451–93453
- CPT 93454–93461 (Correct answer)
- CPT 92920–92928
- CPT 93600–93603
Correct answer: CPT 93454–93461
CPT 93454–93461 describe left heart catheterization with coronary angiography, varying by vessel selection and injection sites.
Question 3: A cardiologist performs ablation of an arrhythmia focus using a 3D electroanatomical mapping system. Which modifier or add-on code should be reported for the mapping?
- Modifier -59
- CPT 93613 (intracardiac electrophysiological 3D mapping) (Correct answer)
- CPT 93654
- No additional code; it is bundled
Correct answer: CPT 93613 (intracardiac electrophysiological 3D mapping)
CPT 93613 is the add-on code for intracardiac 3D electroanatomical mapping performed during an EP ablation procedure.
Question 4: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) performed via transfemoral approach is reported with which CPT code?
- CPT 33361 (Correct answer)
- CPT 33362
- CPT 33363
- CPT 33364
Correct answer: CPT 33361
CPT 33361 specifically describes TAVR using a transfemoral approach, the most common minimally invasive route for aortic valve replacement.
Question 5: When a cardiologist places a dual-chamber pacemaker (generator and two leads) for the first time, the coder should report:
- CPT 33206 only
- CPT 33249 only
- CPT 33208 for the generator insertion and separate lead codes (Correct answer)
- A single all-inclusive code 33200
Correct answer: CPT 33208 for the generator insertion and separate lead codes
Initial dual-chamber pacemaker insertion is reported with CPT 33208 (insertion of dual-chamber pulse generator) along with lead insertion codes as applicable.
Question 6: The term 'selective catheter placement' in cardiac catheterization coding means:
- The catheter was placed in the main aorta only
- The catheter was manipulated beyond the aorta into a branch vessel requiring skill-based navigation (Correct answer)
- The procedure required general anesthesia
- The catheter was placed using ultrasound guidance
Correct answer: The catheter was manipulated beyond the aorta into a branch vessel requiring skill-based navigation
Selective placement means the catheter was advanced from the aorta into a named branch vessel, which requires additional skill and warrants higher-level coding.
CCC CCC Cardiac Procedures & Interventional Coding 1
Which CPT code range covers percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, including balloon angioplasty of coronary arteries?