tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2012 Issue 1

You Be the Coder: Don't Be Shocked; Is This Cardioversion or Defibrillation?

Question: How would you code the following scenario? A78 year-old-male presents to the ED after suffering cardiac arrest. The medics had regained vital signs initially in route to the hospital but upon entering the ED, the patient "codes". The initial rhythm is noted to be ventricular fibrillation. The patient is defibrillated several times with escalating levels of electricity, and upon the 3rd attempt converts to normal sinus rhythm. At this point, the patient is intubated and rushed to the cardiac cath lab.Answer: Sounds like you have defibrillation rather than cardioversion. According to the AMA CPT® Assistant, "Although cardioversion...

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