CPT® Code 93017

Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; tracing only, without interpretation and report

The CPT® Code 93017 refers to a cardiovascular stress test that utilizes either maximal or submaximal exercise on a treadmill or bicycle, along with continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. This procedure is designed to assess the heart's electrical activity under stress conditions, which can be induced through physical exercise or pharmacological means. During the test, small plastic patches, known as electrodes, are affixed to specific areas of the patient's chest, abdomen, arms, and/or legs. These electrodes are connected to leads from the ECG device, allowing for the continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical signals throughout the test. Initially, a baseline ECG is recorded to establish the heart's normal activity before the stress is applied. The exercise phase of the test is then initiated, during which the patient's heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored. A staged stress protocol is employed, meaning that the intensity of the exercise is gradually increased, and the patient's response to this stress is recorded via the ECG. The exercise or pharmacological stress continues until the patient reaches their maximum capacity or achieves a predetermined target heart rate, unless contraindications arise. Upon completion of the test, the recorded stress ECG is reviewed, but it is important to note that this code specifically refers to the tracing of the ECG without any interpretation or report of the findings. For a complete procedure that includes interpretation, other codes such as 93015 should be used, while 93016 is designated for supervision only without interpretation. The interpretation and report of the findings are captured under code 93018.