CPT 93010Cardiology

Electrocardiogram report

CPT code 93010 is billed when a physician interprets and reports on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) that was performed and recorded by someone else. This is the professional component only—just the doctor's interpretation, not the test itself.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$7.76

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.17

PE RVU (NF)

0.06

MP RVU

0.01

Total RVU

0.24

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify split-billing arrangement before using 93010. Only bill 93010 when you are interpreting an ECG performed by another entity (hospital, clinic, or mobile service). If your practice performs both the tracing and interpretation, bill 93000 instead.
Impact: Incorrect code selection between 93000, 93005, and 93010 is the #1 cause of denials. Using 93000 (global, ~$14) when 93010 is appropriate can trigger overpayment recovery.
Document the source of the ECG tracing in your interpretation report. Include date, time, and location where the tracing was obtained, plus confirmation that technical equipment and personnel were not provided by your practice.
Impact: Prevents auditor challenges to component billing. Missing documentation can result in 100% recoupment of payments.
Ensure written report is signed and dated by the interpreting physician. Electronic signatures are acceptable but must meet CMS requirements for authentication.
Impact: Unsigned reports do not meet Medicare documentation requirements and will result in denial on audit, requiring full refund of $7.76 per claim.
Do not bill 93010 on the same date as 93000 for the same patient unless separate ECGs are medically necessary and documented. The same ECG cannot be billed twice using different component codes.
Impact: Duplicate billing of same service will trigger automatic denials and potential fraud investigation.
For hospital-based physicians interpreting inpatient ECGs, verify whether the hospital is billing the technical component (93005). Coordinate billing to avoid duplicate global charges (93000) from the facility.
Impact: Coordination failures result in claim denials and delayed payment for both parties until corrected.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CPT 93000, 93005, and 93010?

CPT 93000 is the global code for a complete ECG service including tracing, interpretation, and report (reimbursed ~$14). CPT 93005 is the technical component only (performing the tracing and providing equipment, ~$6). CPT 93010 is the professional component only (physician interpretation and written report, $7.76). When one entity performs the complete service, bill 93000. When services are split between facilities, the technical provider bills 93005 and the interpreting physician bills 93010.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 93010 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment for CPT 93010 is $7.76 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 0.24 total RVUs (0.17 work RVU + 0.06 practice expense RVU + 0.01 malpractice RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality.

Can I bill 93010 if I own the ECG machine but a technician performed the tracing?

No. If your practice owns the equipment and employs the technician who performed the tracing, you must bill 93000 (global code) for the complete service. CPT 93010 is only appropriate when the technical component is provided by a completely separate entity (different tax ID), such as when you interpret ECGs performed at a hospital or another clinic.

Do I need to use modifier 26 with CPT 93010?

No. CPT 93010 is already designated as a professional-component-only code by CPT definition. Adding modifier 26 is inappropriate and will cause claim denial. Modifier 26 is only used with global procedure codes (like 93000) to indicate you are billing only the professional component.

How many ECG interpretations can I bill per patient per day?

You can bill multiple 93010 codes per day for the same patient if separate ECG tracings are performed at different times for distinct clinical reasons and each has its own interpretation report. Use modifier 76 (repeat procedure by same physician) or 59 (distinct procedural service) and document the medical necessity for each separate ECG (e.g., pre- and post-procedure monitoring, evaluation of clinical status change).

What documentation is required to bill CPT 93010?

You must have a complete, signed, dated written interpretation report in the medical record. The report must include rhythm analysis, rate, intervals, axis, identification of any abnormalities, and clinical interpretation. For split billing, documentation should indicate the ECG was performed at another location or by another entity. The report alone is sufficient; you don't need to retain the actual tracing strips if performed elsewhere.

Can nurse practitioners or physician assistants bill CPT 93010?

Billing rules vary by state and payer. Medicare allows NPPs to bill 93010 under their own NPI at 85% of the physician fee schedule ($6.60 instead of $7.76) if within their scope of practice and state licensure allows ECG interpretation. Some commercial payers credential NPPs for this service while others require physician interpretation. Always verify payer-specific policies and state scope of practice regulations before billing.