Cardioversion is a procedure that employs swift, low-energy jolts to bring back a normal heartbeat. Its purpose is to address certain irregular heart rhythms known as arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is vital to verify the cardioversion CPT code before submitting the claim to ensure proper reimbursement. In some instances, medications are used for cardioversion instead of shocks.
While cardioversion is typically planned, it can also be administered in different situations. Generally, it promptly restores the heart’s rhythm. Continue reading the blog till the end and get more information about CPT code for cardioversion.
What Is Cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a treatment your healthcare provider performs to restore your heart to a normal rhythm. Your provider can use an electrical device or medicine to reset your heart rhythm. A cardioversion can be lifesaving if you have a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia that may become a sudden cardiac arrest. Your provider will often schedule a cardioversion in advance to avoid possible complications.
Can you clarify if the cardioversion CPT code differs for electrical versus chemical cardioversion? Indeed, it is possible to clarify the CPT code for cardioversion. The cardiac providers perform cardioversion for both atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. However, the procedure assists with various tachycardias or other irregular heart rhythms and arrhythmias. Abnormal heart rhythms can give one chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Cardioversion CPT Code
There is one CPT code for cardioversions, 92960. There are no separate codes or modifiers for using paddles or hands-free and no special codes or modifiers for biphasic cardioversion. The CPT code 92960 covers elective cardioversion, not defibrillation. At our medical billing company, our expert and professional coders focus on error-free coding for each speciality.
In addition, the insurance company is requesting documentation to justify the use of the cardioversion CPT code on the patient’s bill. There is no code for defibrillation because it is incorporated into CPR, which has its own CPT code (92950). Therefore, using appropriate terminology in your charting is essential to justify that you are cardioverting the patient and not defibrillating the patient.
Types of Cardioversion Code
1. Electrical Cardioversion
A defibrillator delivers a shock to your heart through handheld paddles or electrode patches on your chest and back. If you are at high risk for dangerous arrhythmias or your heart does not work well, your provider may implant an ICD. These devices have wires that shock your heart whenever you need it. We will need to double-check if the cardioversion CPT code is bundled with any other procedures for this case.
2.Chemical Cardioversion
Your provider can administer the medication to you orally or intravenously. It can work in minutes, hours, or even days. You may get this medicine in the hospital so your provider can monitor your heart rhythm. If you take this medicine at home, you will want to be in close contact with your provider.
3. Internal Cardioversion
The main goal of internal cardioversion is the conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm, especially in those patients in whom external cardioversion has failed. Internal cardioversion requires vascular access, placement of catheters into the heart under fluoroscopic guidance, and much more excellent knowledge of electrophysiology studies.
4.External Cardioversion
Electro or external cardioversion is most often used to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter where anti-arrhythmic drugs have failed to convert the heart back to normal sinus rhythm or if the patient is hemodynamically unstable. The electric shock given in cardioversion is synchronized- that is, it is timed to occur during the R wave of the electrocardiogram. He will monitor his rhythm for several hours after the procedure to make sure the rhythm stays stable.
Cardioversion Vs. Defibrillation
Cardioversion | Defibrillation |
| Corrects abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., AFib, atrial flutter) | Treats life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., VFib, pulseless VT) |
| The patient is usually conscious or lightly sedated and not in immediate danger. | The patient is unconscious, in cardiac arrest |
| The shock is delivered at a specific point in the cardiac cycle (R-wave) | Shock is delivered without regard to the cardiac cycle |
| Planned or elective procedure | Emergency procedure |
| Synchronized with the heart’s electrical activity | Unsynchronized, delivered immediately |
Various Codes for Cardioversion
i. Chemical Cardioversion CPT
Chemical cardioversion is defined as the use of medication to convert an abnormal CPT code 92960. Chemical cardioversion pertains to the use of medicines for the conversion of an abnormal heart rhythm to a normal one, such as atrial fibrillation. In other words, this would be the code to use when the patient receives pharmacologic intervention to restore their heart rhythm to its standard setting.
ii. Defibrillation CPT Code
The CPT code 92950 would be specific for defibrillation. This is an emergency intervention where life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias-ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia-are treated by the delivery of a controlled electric shock to the heart via defibrillator paddles or electrodes in an attempt to reset the electrical system of the heart and restore a normal rhythm. This code would apply when such defibrillation has been provided independently without any combination.
iii. 92950 CPT code description
The procedure for 92950 CPT code refers to emergency care provided to restore a patient in cardiac arrest or other conditions that threaten life back to normal breathing and heartbeat by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The procedure usually entails external chest compressions in concert with ventilatory efforts. These can be manual breathing or mechanical devices to continue circulation and oxygenation until normal heart and lung function restoration is achieved or further medical interventions are instituted.
iv. 92960 CPT code
CPT code 92960 is used for cardioversion, elective, and electrical conversion of arrhythmia; external. It is an electrical treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs an external electrical cardioversion to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.
v. 92960 CPT Code Description
What is the correct cardioversion CPT code to use for a patient with atrial fibrillation undergoing the procedure? 92960 is the correct CPT code for cardioversion atrial fibrillation process. Code 92960 relates to cardioversion, elective, and electric conversion of arrhythmia external. It is an electrical treatment given to patients who have problems with their heartbeat or have what is referred to as arrhythmia. This code is used whenever a healthcare provider performs an external electrical cardioversion, which is used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia.
What Does Recovery from Cardioversion Feel Like?
After these specific durations, once your heart is back to normal rhythm, your doctor will prescribe medication to maintain this process. Several weeks later, you will return to the doctor for an electrocardiogram, the informal name of which is EKG. Follow the appointments made with your doctor and continue with the prescribed course, which may include anti-arrhythmic medications to regulate the heartbeat. Each medical billing company focuses on the maximum revenue management and minimizes the denial by using novel software for billing and employing error-free coding.
When you wake up from cardioversion, you might feel groggy or unsteady. You will have to stay in bed for a few hours until the anesthetic or sedation has worn off, and your hospital team can decide that it is ok to send you home. It would help if you were given a date for a follow-up appointment before you go home. Usually, your doctor will prescribe anticoagulant and anti-arrhythmia medications to take at home. However, try to update the medical records with the appropriate cardioversion CPT code before we finalize the billing.
General anesthesia and sedation can make you drowsy and slow your reaction time and judgment for the rest of the day. Having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours is a good idea. Do not operate a car, care for children, cook, drink alcohol, operate machinery, or sign any legal documents until the day after the procedure.
Final Thoughts
Apart from cardioversion, your general heart health care includes adherence to your medication and description of side effects or any change in condition. Supplementing medication management, regular physical activities and the diet that a person performs or eats should be heart-friendly; refraining from tobacco and excessive alcohol is also part of the care plan.
Being well-educated about your condition and communicating openly with your healthcare team is also essential. In addition to possible lifestyle modifications, symptom and physician follow-up, as recommended, are necessary for an optimal long-term result. If you want maximum revenue and minimal denial in your cardioversion practice, you may reach out to MAVA Care.
