CPT® Code 92960

Elective external cardioversion, identified by CPT® Code 92960, is a medical procedure aimed at restoring a normal heart rhythm in patients suffering from arrhythmias, which are characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate. This procedure is typically performed in a controlled environment, such as a hospital or outpatient facility, where appropriate monitoring and support are available. During the procedure, sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort and minimize anxiety. The technique involves the use of two defibrillator pads or paddles strategically placed on the patient's body: one pad is positioned on the chest near the sternum, while the second is placed either in the lower left chest area or on the back beneath the left scapula. The cardioversion process entails delivering electrical impulses, or shocks, to the heart, which are intended to reset the heart's electrical system and restore a normal rhythm. The intensity of the electrical shock is adjusted based on the specific type of arrhythmia being treated and the patient's individual response to the initial shock. If the first attempt at cardioversion does not successfully restore normal rhythm, a higher electrical impulse may be applied, and the procedure can be repeated as necessary. It is important to note that internal cardioversion, denoted by CPT® Code 92961, differs from external cardioversion in that it involves placing defibrillator pads directly on the heart during open chest surgery, allowing for more direct delivery of electrical impulses to the heart muscle.