The cardiovascular stress test is divided into four possible CPT codes. Billing the global code 93015 incorrectly in a hospital setting is a massive compliance risk.
Global vs Component Codes
93015 is the global code. You only bill this if the test is performed in a non-facility (e.g., a private physician office) where the physician owns the equipment, supervises the test, and interprets it.
If the test is performed in a hospital or facility, the physician can NEVER bill 93015. They must bill the professional components:
- 93016: Physician supervision only.
- 93018: Physician interpretation and report only.
- (The facility bills 93017 for the technical tracing).
Medical Necessity
Routine screening stress tests are rarely covered by Medicare. Valid indications include chest pain (R07.9) or shortness of breath (R06.02).
NCCI Edits
If performing a nuclear stress test (MPI) or stress echo, do not bill 93015. You will bill the pharmacological stress agent, the imaging code, and the specific cardiovascular stress components separately.