tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2008 Issue 2

Reader Questions: Count Carotid Massage Toward E/M Level

Question: A patient with tightness in his chest and labored breathing reports to the ED. During the course of the E/M service, the ED physician performs a carotid massage. Two questions: What is a carotid massage, and should I code it separately from the E/M? Virginia Subscriber Answer: A carotid massage occurs when the physician presses the carotid sinus in order to slow a patient's heart rate. Patients may require this treatment to slow an accelerated heart beat. As per your coding question, there currently exists no CPT procedural code for carotid massage. When your ED physician performs this...

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