Find information on Stress Test diagnosis, including CPT and ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare billing guidelines. Learn about cardiac stress testing procedures, nuclear stress tests, exercise stress tests, and stress echocardiography for accurate medical coding and reimbursement. This resource covers key aspects of stress test interpretation, pre-authorization, and medical necessity documentation for physicians and healthcare professionals.
Also known as
Abnormal electrocardiogram [ECG]
Indicates abnormal findings on ECG, often used in stress test result documentation.
Ischemic heart diseases
Stress tests are used to diagnose or assess ischemia, reduced blood flow to the heart.
Encounter for cardiovascular exam
Used for encounters specifically for cardiovascular examination, which may include stress tests.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the stress test for diagnostic purposes?
Yes
Type of stress test?
No
Reason for stress test?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Stress test measures heart function during exertion. |
| Coronary artery disease (CAD) is narrowing of the heart arteries. |
| Arrhythmia is irregular heartbeat rhythm. |
Coding with unspecified stress test codes when more specific documentation exists leads to lower reimbursement and audit risk. CDI can clarify.
Incorrect or missing modifiers (e.g., -TC, -26) for technical and professional components can cause claim denials. Compliance monitoring is crucial.
Billing stress test interpretation and other related services separately when a comprehensive code exists poses compliance risks. Coding audits prevent this.
Stress Test Report: Patient presented for a cardiac stress test to evaluate chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion. Indications for testing included atypical chest pain, risk factors for coronary artery disease including hyperlipidemia and family history, and assessment of functional capacity. The patient underwent a treadmill exercise stress test using the Bruce protocol. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored throughout the test. The patient achieved a target heart rate of 85% of the age-predicted maximum. During the test, the patient reported mild chest discomfort, rated 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. No significant ST segment changes were observed on the ECG. The patient was able to exercise for 8 minutes and 30 seconds before stopping due to fatigue. The test was deemed clinically significant for assessment of coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, and exercise tolerance. Post-exercise ECG and recovery period were unremarkable. Assessment: Stress test results are negative for inducible ischemia. Plan: Continue current medical management for hyperlipidemia. Encourage regular exercise and lifestyle modifications for cardiovascular health. Patient education provided regarding symptom management and follow-up care. Diagnosis codes: I20.9 Angina pectoris, unspecified, R07.1 Chest pain on breathing, R06.0 Dyspnea on exertion, I25.10 Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris. Procedure code: 93015 Cardiovascular stress test using treadmill, physician supervision.