Ask Dr. Z

Ask Dr. Z Knowledge Base houses over 7,500 coding questions and answers dating back to 2013.

Ask Dr. Z Disclaimer

Please note this question was answered in 2020. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

Pre & Post EKG with Cardioversion

Date: Dec 15, 2020

Question:

"Patient with history of AF and cardioversion came to the ED with cardiac palpitation; EKG was ordered for tachycardia. Medication did not resolve the condition, so the decision was made for cardioversion and was successfully converted back to normal sinus rhythm on a repeat EKG."  Is the first EKG considered a diagnostic, and is modifier -59 appropriate? If post EKG was performed to see if the heart rate return to its normal sinus rhythm, is this considered medically necessary or is this considered routine?

Question ID : 14759
Sign up for a membership to view the answer to this question.

Need to ask Dr.Z?

Don't see the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base? No problem. You can ask Dr. Z directly!
Ask Dr. Z a question now!