Cardiovascular System: Cardiac Assist Changes in 2013 (Q&A) (March 2013)

Why This Topic Matters

Cardiac assist procedures often overlap with high-acuity cardiovascular interventions, so accurate code selection depends on understanding the updated CPT framework and when related services are separately reportable. This article helps readers recognize the scope of the 2013 revisions and the types of procedural scenarios affected.

Article Sections

1. March 2013 pages 10-11

   Introductory article context and placement within the March 2013 issue.

2. Cardiovascular System: Cardiac Assist Changes in 2013

   Overview of the CPT 2013 cardiac assist updates and the general areas of reporting guidance covered in the article.

3. New Codes

   Summary of the newly introduced cardiac assist procedure codes addressed in the article.

4. Background

   General clinical background on percutaneous ventricular assist devices and the cardiovascular procedures with which they may be associated.

5. New/Revised Guidelines

   Discussion of updated reporting guidance for cardiac assist procedures, including how the article frames related services and separate sessions.

6. Coding Tip

   Additional note on reporting transcatheter ventricular support in conjunction with other cardiovascular procedures.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

   Question-and-answer guidance addressing common reporting scenarios involving ventricular assist device services and related procedures.