{"id":13558,"date":"2021-05-31T07:22:10","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T07:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/?p=13558"},"modified":"2025-05-13T14:12:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T14:12:23","slug":"coding-for-subcutaneous-cardiac-rhythm-monitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/coding-for-subcutaneous-cardiac-rhythm-monitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Coding for Subcutaneous Cardiac Rhythm Monitors"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Nov. 2, 2020, the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT\u00ae Editorial Panel announced the approval of a new Category III CPT\u00ae code to describe remote programming of subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitors. The new code will be effective July 1, 2021. Please note that the existence of a Category III CPT\u00ae code does not guarantee payment.<\/p>\n

Category III codes are \u2018temporary codes for emerging technology, services, procedures, and service paradigm,\u2019 according to AMA\u2019s CPT\u00ae Professional 2021 codebook. Payers generally do not cover such services, so these codes are primarily for reporting purposes only.<\/p>\n

0650T Code Description<\/strong><\/h2>\n

0650T:<\/strong> Programming device evaluation (remote) of subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system with iterative adjustment of the implantable device to test the function of the device and select optimal permanent programmed values with analysis, review, and report by a physician<\/a> or other qualified health care professional.<\/p>\n

Subcutaneous Cardiac Rhythm Monitors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitors, also known as implantable loop recorders or insertable cardiac monitors, are indicated for adults at risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm or have symptoms that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia such as dizziness, palpitations, syncope, chest pain, and\/or shortness of breath.<\/p>\n

Subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitors address an otherwise unmet clinical need through uninterrupted, long-term cardiac monitoring for patients with symptoms which recur too infrequently to be detected by shorter-term external monitoring modalities.<\/p>\n

Within the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic where remote monitoring has become essential for device\/patient surveillance, the newly added capability for remote programming improves patient care while mitigating the unnecessary exposure risk with in-person clinic\/emergency department\/hospital visits.<\/p>\n

Coverage for remote programming of these devices would facilitate clinical decision-making between physicians and their patients while also avoiding the costs with in-person clinic office visits.<\/p>\n

Coding Guidelines<\/strong><\/h2>\n