Keep your distance with these codes when patient presents to switch the old battery for a new one.
CPT® 2012 brings code changes, revised guidelines, as well as new definitions to the Pacemaker and Pacing Cardioverter-Defibrillator section. This expert medical coding article focuses on 2012 coding updates on pacemaker (PM) pulse generator insertion codes 33212, 33213, and 33221.
Get started: One significant change to remember is that radiological supervision and imaging is now encompassed in PM and pacing cardioverter-defibrillator codes 33206-33249.
2012 coding update: Get a Quick View of Revisions and Additions
CPT® 2012 reviews the definitions of 33212 and 33213 as shown below, effective Jan. 1, 2012:
CPT® 2012 furthermore adds a third code to this family:
CPT® 2012 brings code changes, revised guidelines, as well as new definitions to the Pacemaker and Pacing Cardioverter-Defibrillator section. This expert medical coding article focuses on 2012 coding updates on pacemaker (PM) pulse generator insertion codes 33212, 33213, and 33221.
Get started: One significant change to remember is that radiological supervision and imaging is now encompassed in PM and pacing cardioverter-defibrillator codes 33206-33249.
2012 coding update: Get a Quick View of Revisions and Additions
CPT® 2012 reviews the definitions of 33212 and 33213 as shown below, effective Jan. 1, 2012:
CPT® 2012 furthermore adds a third code to this family:
'Replacement' Removal Is Key Change
The 2012 CPT codes' first modification of note is the deletion of "or replacement" from the common portion of the definition shared by 33212, 33213, and (in 2012) 33221.
Removing "replacement" makes way for the addition of three novel 2012 CPT codes that you must use in 2012 when the physician removes a PM pulse generator (battery) and replaces the battery at the same session:
The 2012 CPT codes' first modification of note is the deletion of "or replacement" from the common portion of the definition shared by 33212, 33213, and (in 2012) 33221.
Removing "replacement" makes way for the addition of three novel 2012 CPT codes that you must use in 2012 when the physician removes a PM pulse generator (battery) and replaces the battery at the same session:
Compare 2011 to 2012: As an instance of how these changes impact coding, recall that in 2011 you reported a single-chamber PM generator change using 2011 codes 33233 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator) for the removal of a battery and 33212 for replacing a battery at the same session. As far as 2012 CPT codes are concerned, you, as a replacement, must report 33227 to capture both the removal as well as the replacement.
Subsequently, in 2012, you'll report 33212, 33213, and 33221 only when a patient who already has electrodes (leads) in place presents simply for insertion of the PM pulse generator. You are no longer supposed to use 33212, 33213, or 33221 together with 33233 for a battery change. To further lay emphasis on this change, 33233 has a revised definition in 2012, adding the term "only" at the end: Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator only. This means that 33233 is a stand-alone code.
Helpful instruction: A parenthetical note with the 2012 CPT codes makes certain you understand that 33212, 33213, and 33221 are not suitable for replacement services: You must not report 33212, 33213, 33221 in combination with 33233 for removal and replacement of the pacemaker pulse generator. Use 33227-33229, as suitable, when pulse generator replacement is indicated.
Subsequently, in 2012, you'll report 33212, 33213, and 33221 only when a patient who already has electrodes (leads) in place presents simply for insertion of the PM pulse generator. You are no longer supposed to use 33212, 33213, or 33221 together with 33233 for a battery change. To further lay emphasis on this change, 33233 has a revised definition in 2012, adding the term "only" at the end: Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator only. This means that 33233 is a stand-alone code.
Helpful instruction: A parenthetical note with the 2012 CPT codes makes certain you understand that 33212, 33213, and 33221 are not suitable for replacement services: You must not report 33212, 33213, 33221 in combination with 33233 for removal and replacement of the pacemaker pulse generator. Use 33227-33229, as suitable, when pulse generator replacement is indicated.
For More Info :- http://www.supercoder.com/coding-newsletters/my-cardiology-coding-alert/pm-generator-33221-joins-33212-and-33213-for-battery-insertion-only-109496-article
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