Technological advances allow physicians to monitor patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) by interrogating these devices remotely using a manufacturer’s specific monitor transmitter. The remote monitor transmitter sends the data to a distant receiver or secure server, allowing the physician to retrieve the data for review and analysis.

The AMA editorial panel decided that this service should be reported using current codes as appropriate:

• 93741 — (Electronic analysis of pacing cardioverter-defibrillator (includes interrogation, evaluation of pulse generator status, evaluation of programmable parameters at rest and during activity where applicable, using electrocardiographic recording and interpretation of recordings at rest and during exercise, analysis of event markers and device response); single chamber or wearable cardioverter-defibrillator system, without reprogramming); or
• 93743 — (dual chamber, without reprogramming)

You may refer to the AMA’s CPT® Assistant, September 2005 / Volume 15 / Issue 9 to read the full article.

Questions or comments on remote monitoring? Please send them to coding@HRSonline.org.

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