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Upgrade of a dual chamber device to a bi-ventricular

Date: May 31, 2012

Question:

We have a coding question regarding the upgrade of a dual chamber to Bi-V generator, this applies to both a pacemaker and ICD. We have two patients that had an upgrade generator and LV lead placed. Per CPT, page 170, under “When the battery of a pacemaker or ICD is changed”. Does the upgrade from a dual to Bi-ventricular count as the upgrade? Are thoughts are that we code 33224 Insertion of pacing electrode, cardiac venous system, for left ventricular pacing, with attachment to previously placed pacemaker or pacing cardioverter-defibrillator pulse generator (including revision of pocket, removal, insertion, and/or replacement of existing generator) Because we didn't replace any of the exsisting RA and RL leads. Is this thought correct? OR do we code 33225 in additon to what?? We keep hitting edits because we are not submitting any other device codes.
Question ID : 3632
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