Cardiology Question for the Week of November 25, 2019

Question:

Do you have any guidance for 93025?

Answer:

This test is used to assess patient risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. It is considered a provocative test that studies response as a patient’s heart rate is gradually increased. Do not code for either an EKG or rhythm strip when reporting CPT 93025. Do not report in conjunction with codes for cardiac stress testing on the same date of service.

The following is from the 2019 National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual for Medicare Services, Chapter 11, Section I, Cardiovascular Services:

1. Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) (CPT code 93025) testing requires a submaximal stress test that differs from the traditional exercise stress test (CPT codes 93015-93018) which utilizes a standard exercise protocol. CPT codes 93015-93018 shall not be reported separately for the submaximal stress test integral to MTWA testing. CPT codes 93015-93018 shall not be reported on the same date of service as CPT code 93025.