Ask Dr. Z

Hi Dr. Z I looking for a clarification from a question posted from March 8, 2012 "Question: Upgrade of a dual chamber defibrillator to a biventricular defibrillator. Remove and replace generator, insertion/addition of left ventricular lead and attachment of generator to previously placed atrial and right ventricular leads. How would you code this utilizing the new 2012 cpt codes? Thank you! Answer: I would code the removal of a dual chamber generator and replacement with a multi-lead ICD generator (as the final device placed is a multi-lead) as a multi-lead generator replacement, along with the LV lead at time of generator change. So the codes are 33264 and 33225. Dr.z" My question according to 2012 CPT manual 33225, in the parenthetical note, 33264 isn't listed as a CPT code to use in conjuction with 33225. I apprciate any clarification to this matter. Thank you!