Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are life-saving devices used in patients with heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and high risk of sudden cardiac death. These devices continuously monitor cardiac rhythm, deliver therapy (shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing), and provide pacing support when needed.
To ensure safe and effective operation, these devices require regular in-person interrogation in a clinical setting. During these visits, a programmer is used to communicate with the device, retrieve data, assess lead function, evaluate arrhythmia episodes, and confirm battery status.
The CPT code used for this service is CPT 93287, which represents the complete, in-person interrogation and evaluation of an ICD or CRT-D system, including both technical and professional components. Improve accuracy and avoid interrogation denials with our CPT 93286 Loop Recorder In-Person Interrogation Billing Guide including coding, device checks, and setup requirements.
This comprehensive guide explains when to use CPT 93287, documentation requirements, ICD-10 pairing, prior authorization rules, billing frequency guidelines, common denials, and practical examples for clean and compliant claims.
What Is CPT 93287?
Official CPT definition:
“Interrogation device evaluation (in person) with analysis, review, and report by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system.”
In practical terms:
CPT 93287 = The full in-person ICD or CRT-D interrogation visit (technical work + analysis + physician interpretation + final report).
This code should be used whenever:
- The device is physically interrogated with a programmer
- Staff downloads and evaluates stored data
- A provider interprets the results
- A formal report is created and signed
CPT 93287 applies to all ICD and CRT-D brands, including:
- Medtronic
- Boston Scientific
- Abbott / St. Jude
- Biotronik
What CPT 93287 Includes
To properly bill CPT 93287, all of the following components must be completed:
1. Technical Component (Performed by Clinical Staff)
- Connecting the programmer to the ICD/CRT-D
- Retrieving stored arrhythmia episodes
- Printing or saving electrograms (EGMs)
- Reviewing lead impedance trends
- Assessing battery voltage and remaining longevity
- Evaluating pacing thresholds
- Checking shock logs (delivered or aborted shocks)
- Documenting therapy delivery
- Ensuring all event counters and diagnostics are functioning
Technical documentation is essential for compliance. Strengthen your remote device monitoring workflows using our detailed CPT 93272 Pacemaker & ICD Remote Monitoring Billing Guide
covering documentation, technical components, and payer rules.
2. Data Analysis
This includes a detailed review of device diagnostics:
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF) events
- AF/AFL burden
- Bradycardia events
- Pacing percentages (atrial and ventricular)
- Sensing thresholds
- Capture thresholds
- Lead impedance and stability
- Shock delivery history
- Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy
- Battery life and advisories
3. Physician Interpretation + Signed Report
A qualified provider must complete and sign a report that includes:
- Summary of all findings
- Interpretation of arrhythmia events
- Assessment of therapy appropriateness
- Evaluation of lead and device functionality
- Review of patient symptoms (if applicable)
- Device recommendations (e.g., programming changes)
- Follow-up plan
- Provider signature with credentials
If the provider does NOT interpret the data or complete a report, → CPT 93287 cannot be billed.
Master documentation and payer rules with our comprehensive CPT 93458 Left Heart Catheterization & Coronary Angiography Billing Guide optimized for interventional cardiology practices.
When to Use CPT 93287
CPT 93287 should be billed for any in-person clinic visit during which an ICD or CRT-D is interrogated.
Common scenarios include:
✔ Routine in-office device checks
Usually, every 3–6 months, depending on payer rules.
✔ Symptom-driven evaluations
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Syncope
- Near-syncope
- Chest discomfort
- Shock sensation
✔ Post-hospitalization device checks
Especially after:
- Heart failure exacerbation
- Arrhythmia event
- Stroke or TIA
- Syncope workup
✔ Following device alerts
Examples:
- “Lead impedance alert”
- “Battery reaching ERI (Elective Replacement Indicator).”
- “VT/VF event detected.”
- “Shock delivered”
✔ After a shock event
If the device delivered ATP or a shock, an in-person interrogation is necessary.
✔ Post-programming follow-ups
Used to assess response to reprogramming.
When NOT to Use CPT 93287
❌ For remote device checks
Remote ICD/CRT-D monitoring uses codes 93295–93296 (or similar, depending on payer).
❌ For pacemaker-only devices
Pacemaker interrogation uses CPT 93288, not 93287.
❌ When only technical work was performed
If staff performed the interrogation, but the provider did not interpret → bill 93284 instead.
❌ When the interrogation was unsuccessful or incomplete
If data could not be retrieved, many payers require:
- A reduced service code
- Documentation of the failure
- Or the visit may not be billable at all
❌ In the inpatient setting
Hospital device interrogations usually use hospital-specific codes or may be bundled with hospital stay services.
Documentation Requirements for CPT 93287
To support billing CPT 93287, include the following:
1. Medical Necessity (Reason for Visit)
Examples:
- “Routine ICD check, patient stable.”
- “Alert: VF event detected.”
- “Patient reports palpitations.”
- “Shock delivered yesterday.”
- “Follow-up after hospitalization for arrhythmia.”
2. Device Information
Include:
- Device type (ICD or CRT-D)
- Manufacturer and model
- Implant date
- Battery longevity
3. Interrogation Details
Document:
- Programmer used
- Successful connection
- Data downloaded
- Arrhythmias detected
- Therapy delivered
- Lead function
- Battery voltage
4. Physician Interpretation
Interpretation must address:
- VT/VF occurrences
- Atrial arrhythmia burden
- Therapy appropriateness
- Sensing and pacing thresholds
- Lead stability
- Any irregularities or alerts
5. Final Signed Report
The report must include:
- Summary of findings
- Clinical interpretation
- Recommended action or follow-up
- Signature and credentials
Without this → denial is guaranteed.
Does CPT 93287 Require Prior Authorization?
Medicare
- No prior authorization required
- Must meet medical necessity
Medicaid
- Mostly no PA
- Some states may require it if repeated too frequently
Commercial Plans
Usually no PA, except occasionally:
- Anthem HMO
- Kaiser
- Certain Medicare Advantage plans
Routine quarterly device checks normally require no preauthorization. Stay compliant with complex procedural rules using our CPT 93460 Right & Left Heart Catheterization Billing Guide covering documentation, contrast use, and NCCI bundling.
Billing Frequency for CPT 93287
Most payers follow these guidelines:
Medicare
- Every 90 days is allowed
- More frequent billing requires documented medical necessity
Commercial Payers
Most allow:
- Every 90 days for routine checks
- Additional checks if triggered by:
- Shock events
- Device alerts
- Symptomatic episodes
- Battery concerns
- Lead abnormalities
Medicaid
Frequency varies by state.
Always check specific payer policies.
Common Denials for CPT 93287 (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ 1. Missing or incomplete interpretation
Fix:
- Ensure the provider signs and completes the full report
❌ 2. Billing too frequently
Fix:
- Follow 30–90 day payer frequency limits
- Document medical necessity for earlier evaluation
❌ 3. Wrong code (pacemaker code used by mistake)
Fix:
- Confirm device type before billing
❌ 4. No documented device interrogation
Fix:
- Add programmer details and interrogation success documentation
❌ 5. Missing medical necessity
Fix:
- Include symptoms, alerts, or the reason for the check
❌ 6. Billing 93287 when only technical work was done
Fix:
- Use 93284 for technical-only
ICD-10 Codes Commonly Paired With CPT 93287
Some of the most relevant ICD-10 codes include:
- Z95.810 – Presence of ICD
- Z95.818 – Presence of CRT-D
- R00.2 – Palpitations
- R42 – Dizziness
- R55 – Syncope
- I47.20 – Ventricular arrhythmia
- I47.2 – Ventricular tachycardia
- I48.91 – Atrial fibrillation
- I49.5 – Sick sinus syndrome
- T82.198A – ICD lead malfunction
- I50.9 – Heart failure
- Z45.02 – Encounter for ICD check
- Z86.74 – History of sudden cardiac arrest
Final Thoughts
CPT 93287 is a core billing code for cardiology and electrophysiology practices performing essential in-person ICD and CRT-D evaluations. Ensuring accurate documentation, adhering to payer frequency limits, and completing a thorough physician interpretation are the keys to avoiding denials and ensuring clean reimbursement.
If your clinic needs assistance optimizing device-management workflows or ensuring compliant billing for ICD and CRT-D interrogations, Global Tech Billing LLC provides specialized cardiology billing expertise tailored to high-complexity cardiovascular services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can physician assistants or nurse practitioners bill 93287?
Yes — as long as the payer allows and the provider performs the interpretation.
2. Can 93287 be billed with an E/M visit?
Yes — if the E/M visit is separately identifiable (modifier 25 required).
3. Can multiple interrogations be billed in one month?
Yes, if medical necessity is documented (e.g., shock event, device malfunction).
4. Does 93287 require in-person presence?
Yes — this code is strictly for in-office interrogation.
5. What code is used for remote ICD checks?
Remote ICD monitoring uses 93295–93296.
6. How long does an ICD interrogation take?
Typically 15–30 minutes, depending on device complexity.
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