External electrocardiographic recording (Holter monitoring) up to 48 hours is billed using the 93228/93229 series. Accurate component billing is essential to prevent payer takebacks.
Professional vs Technical Components
- 93228 (Professional): Review and interpretation of the Holter monitor data by a physician.
- 93229 (Technical): Recording, connection, downloading, and software analysis of the device data.
Time Requirements
These codes are strictly for monitoring lasting between 12 and 48 hours. If the monitoring lasts less than 12 hours, you cannot bill 93228/93229. If it lasts longer than 48 hours (e.g., 7 days or 14 days), you must use the extended continuous recording codes (93241-93248).
NCCI Edits
Do not bill standard EKGs (93000) on the same day the Holter monitor is applied or removed unless there is a separate, emergent medical necessity.