Ask Dr. Z

Please do NOT include any actual patient medical records with your question. Could you please clarify the difference between a device interrogation and a device programming? When our Docs do a device check,93279-93281 and 93282-93284, I am being told that when the doc does the check he will make changes to the device, i.e. check the impedance level and parameters, to check it and then set the program back to the original setting, and this should be considered a reprogramming, CPT codes 93279-93281,93282-93284. I have also been told that these codes depend on whether or not the doc made changes to the final programming of the device, if he changed it from the original setting prior to the device check. I also was under the impression that If the doc did a check and made no changes to the device, "the final program" that this would be considered an interrogation of the device and to use 93288 or 93289.Your input on this would be appreciated. Thank you! Rick