Rem interrog evl pm/ids
CPT 93296 covers the professional evaluation and interpretation of data transmitted remotely from a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This is when a physician reviews heart device data sent electronically from a patient's home, without the patient visiting the office.
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
Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High
NCCI bundling edits
Loading bundling edits…
Billing tips
Observe the 30-day interval requirement: 93296 can only be billed once every 30 days per device. Claims submitted before 30 days from previous interrogation will deny.
Impact: Prevents 100% denial of claim; ensures full $19.41 reimbursement per eligible monitoring period
Ensure physician-generated report is in medical record for every 93296 claim. Report must include device type, battery status, lead parameters, arrhythmia summary, and physician interpretation.
Impact: Critical for audit defense; missing documentation can result in 100% recoupment during post-payment audits
Do not bill 93296 in same 30-day period as in-person device checks (93288, 93289, 93295). Choose highest-paying code and ensure proper sequencing.
Impact: Prevents bundling denials; in-person interrogation codes typically reimburse higher ($60-90 range) than remote 93296 at $19.41
Verify patient enrollment in remote monitoring program is documented. Many payers require proof of patient consent and enrollment before authorizing remote interrogation services.
Impact: Prevents denial for lack of medical necessity or missing prerequisites; protects revenue stream for recurring monthly services
Bill separately for pacemaker (single/dual chamber) versus ICD devices using appropriate codes within 93294-93296 family. 93296 is specific to remote interrogation evaluation only.
Impact: Correct code selection ensures proper reimbursement; ICD interrogations may have different documentation requirements
Track manufacturer-specific transmission compliance. Document failed transmissions and patient outreach attempts, as some contracts require minimum transmission rates for continued enrollment.
Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.
Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.
Help build the field knowledge
MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.