CCC CCC Cardiac Procedures & Interventional Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using three arterial grafts. Which CPT code best describes this procedure?
- CPT 33533
- CPT 33534
- CPT 33535 (Correct answer)
- CPT 33536
Correct answer: CPT 33535
CPT 33535 describes CABG using three arterial grafts; codes 33533–33536 correspond to one through four or more arterial grafts respectively.
Question 2: Which electrophysiology code is used for a comprehensive electrophysiological evaluation including His bundle recording, atrial and ventricular stimulation?
- CPT 93600
- CPT 93619 (Correct answer)
- CPT 93620
- CPT 93623
Correct answer: CPT 93619
CPT 93619 describes a comprehensive EP study including right atrial and right ventricular stimulation with His bundle recording.
Question 3: When coding insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with subcutaneous electrodes (S-ICD), the appropriate CPT code is:
- CPT 33249
- CPT 33270 (Correct answer)
- CPT 33202
- CPT 33240
Correct answer: CPT 33270
CPT 33270 describes insertion of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator with subcutaneous electrode, distinct from transvenous ICD systems.
Question 4: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) performed during a coronary intervention is reported using which type of code?
- A primary standalone code replacing the intervention code
- An add-on code reported in addition to the primary interventional procedure (Correct answer)
- A separate E&M code
- A HCPCS Level II code only
Correct answer: An add-on code reported in addition to the primary interventional procedure
IVUS during coronary intervention (CPT 92978 for initial vessel, 92979 for each additional) is reported as add-on codes alongside the primary interventional procedure.
Question 5: A cardiologist performs closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) using a percutaneous transcatheter approach. The appropriate CPT code is:
- CPT 93580 (Correct answer)
- CPT 93582
- CPT 33641
- CPT 93583
Correct answer: CPT 93580
CPT 93580 describes percutaneous transcatheter closure of a congenital cardiac defect using an implant, including PFO and ASD closures.
Question 6: When a cardiologist performs fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement during a diagnostic catheterization, which code is reported?
- CPT 93571 as a standalone code
- CPT 93571 as an add-on code with the primary catheterization (Correct answer)
- CPT 93461 with a -22 modifier
- FFR is bundled and not separately reportable
Correct answer: CPT 93571 as an add-on code with the primary catheterization
CPT 93571 (FFR, initial vessel) and 93572 (each additional vessel) are add-on codes reported alongside the primary catheterization or intervention code.
CCC CCC Cardiac Procedures & Interventional Coding 2
A patient undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using three arterial grafts.
Which CPT code best describes this procedure?