2025 CPT code 93042
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Cardiovascular Procedures - Electrocardiography Cardiology Feed
Rhythm ECG interpretation and report; this code is for the professional component only.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service. Consult current modifier guidelines.
The rhythm strip and interpretation are medically necessary when there is clinical suspicion of arrhythmia based on patient presentation (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope) or other clinical indicators necessitating immediate assessment of the heart rhythm. The medical necessity must be clearly documented in the medical record.
The physician interprets the rhythm ECG tracing and prepares a written report documenting the findings and any abnormalities detected in the heart's rhythm.
In simple words: The doctor reviews a recording of the heart's electrical activity (like a short EKG) to check for any rhythm problems. They write a report explaining their findings.
This CPT code, 93042, represents the professional interpretation and report of a rhythm electrocardiogram (ECG) using one to three leads.The physician analyzes the heart's electrical activity recorded from a rhythm strip or rhythm ECG to identify any rhythm abnormalities. The service includes a separate, signed, written, and retrievable report detailing the findings.This code does not include the technical component of the procedure (obtaining the tracing).
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with palpitations. A three-lead rhythm strip is obtained, and the physician interprets the tracing and documents the findings in a report using 93042., A patient is admitted to the hospital for observation due to suspected atrial fibrillation.A bedside rhythm strip is obtained every few hours.The attending physician reviews each strip and generates a report, coding each interpretation with 93042., A patient in the ICU is being monitored with continuous telemetry.The cardiologist reviews specific rhythm strips flagged by the monitoring system and documents their findings with code 93042.This only applies to specific strips ordered by a physician, not the continuous monitoring itself.
* Physician's order for the rhythm strip.* The rhythm strip recording.* A signed, written report detailing the interpretation and findings.* Documentation in the patient's medical record supporting the medical necessity for the rhythm strip.
** This code is for the professional interpretation only.The technical component (acquisition of the rhythm strip) requires a separate code (93041).If both professional and technical components are performed, code 93040 should be used.
- Revenue Code: T2A (OTHER TESTS - ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided source.RVUs vary based on geographic location and payer.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier 26 (professional component) should not be appended to 93042, as this code only represents the professional interpretation.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided source. This information varies by payer and geographic location.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Emergency Room, Urgent Care Facility