CPT 00534: Anesthesia for Transvenous Cardioverter–Defibrillator Insertion

Commercial payers pay $83 on average nationally for this procedure.

CPT code 00534 describes anesthesia services provided when a patient undergoes transvenous cardioverter–defibrillator insertion, where a surgeon or proceduralist inserts a device via a cervical vein into the heart chambers to treat arrhythmia; service type: anesthesia for cardiac device implantation; typical site of service: operating room or cardiac catheterization lab.

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National Reimbursement Benchmarks

National commercial reimbursement for CPT 00534 centers near the BUCA average commercial rate of $82.90, with individual payers spreading above and below that midpoint. Blue Cross Blue Shield's interquartile spread (P75–P25) is $39.40, UnitedHealth Group is $27.80, Cigna is $54.20, Aetna is $112.50, and BUCA's IQR is $50.60. Aetna shows the widest dispersion by a large margin, indicating substantial variability in higher-end contractual rates, while UnitedHealth Group displays the tightest interquartile band, suggesting more consistent contracted commercial payments.

Comparing median and mean behavior, Cigna and BUCA sit relatively close to the commercial-average level, whereas Aetna’s mean ($127.80) and higher P90 reflect a heavier right tail. Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealth Group have lower means and medians, with UnitedHealth Group’s narrow IQR highlighting constrained mid‑range pricing. These contrasts illustrate how payer-specific contracting dynamics create meaningful differences around the BUCA commercial benchmark of $82.90.

National Payer Mean Reimbursement Rates

State Reimbursement Rates

State: Alaska1 / 51

Rate by payer

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 68-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy and recurrent symptomatic ventricular tachycardia is scheduled for insertion of a transvenous implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD). Preoperative assessment documents diagnoses of I25.10 (atherosclerotic heart disease), prior valve disease with I34.0 (mitral insufficiency), and reduced ejection fraction consistent with I50.9 (heart failure). The electrophysiology team obtains vascular access via the right internal jugular vein and advances transvenous leads into the right atrium and right ventricle while a cardiovascular surgeon or electrophysiologist implants the pulse generator in a subcutaneous pocket. An anesthesia provider (often a physician with taxonomy 207L00000X or 207LA0401X) evaluates the patient preoperatively, administers monitored anesthesia care or general endotracheal anesthesia as indicated, manages hemodynamics intraoperatively, and provides postoperative recovery monitoring. Typical monitoring includes continuous ECG, invasive arterial pressure for unstable patients, central venous access if needed, and readiness for temporary pacing or advanced cardiac life support. The procedure typically occurs in a cardiac catheterization laboratory or hybrid operating room. Common clinical workflow steps: pre-op evaluation and optimization, intraoperative anesthesia management and hemodynamic support during transvenous lead placement and device testing, coordination with electrophysiology for intraoperative device interrogation and threshold testing, and post-anesthesia recovery with telemetry and pain management prior to discharge or transfer to a monitored inpatient bed.

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

9 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
54	Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…	- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
55	Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…	- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
207LA0401X	Addiction Medicine (Anesthesiology) Physician	An anesthesiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of addictions.
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207SG0203X	Clinical Molecular Genetics Physician	A clinical molecular geneticist demonstrates competence in performing and interpreting molecular analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of …
207RP1002X	Physician Nutrition Specialist (Internal Medicine)	A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of primary nutritional diseases (e.g., undernutrition, overnutrition, and genetic or acquir…
231H00000X	Audiologist	(1) A specialist in evaluation, habilitation and rehabilitation of those whose communication disorders center in whole or in part in hearing function.…
246ZE0600X	Electroneurodiagnostic Specialist/Technologist	Technologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Specialist/Technologist, Other
364SN0000X	Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

31 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
I20.0	Unstable angina
I20.9	Angina pectoris, unspecified
I21.3	ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site
I21.9	Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified
I25.10	Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
I25.110	Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with unstable angina pectoris
I34.0	Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
I34.1	Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) prolapse
I34.9	Nonrheumatic mitral valve disorder, unspecified
I35.0	Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis

Showing 1–10 of 31

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 2

7 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-06-01
Sites of Service	priority health	2026-06-01
Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Services	univerahealthcare	2026-05-21

CPT 00500: Anesthesia for Esophageal Procedure

CPT-00520-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST-BRONCHOSCOPY

CPT 00520: Anesthesia for Closed Chest Procedures, Bronchoscopy

CPT-00522-NEEDLE-PLEURAL-BIOPSY-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST

CPT 00522: Anesthesia for Pleural Needle Biopsy

CPT-00524-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST-PNEUMOCENTESIS

CPT 00524: Anesthesia for Closed-Chest Pneumocentesis

CPT-00528-ANESTHESIA-MEDIASTINOSCOPY-DIAGNOSTIC-THORACOSCOPY

CPT 00528: Anesthesia for Mediastinoscopy and Diagnostic Thoracoscopy

CPT-00529-ANESTHESIA-MEDIASTINOSCOPY-ONE-LUNG-VENTILATION

CPT 00529: Anesthesia for Mediastinoscopy/Thoracoscopy with One-Lung Ventilation

CPT-00530-ANESTHESIA-PERMANENT-TRANSVENOUS-PACEMAKER-INSERTION

CPT 00530: Anesthesia for Permanent Transvenous Pacemaker Insertion

CPT-00532-ANESTHESIA-FOR-CENTRAL-VENOUS-ACCESS

CPT 00532: Anesthesia for Central Venous Access

CPT-00537-CARDIAC-ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY-ANESTHESIA

CPT 00537: Anesthesia for Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures

CPT-00539-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-RECONSTRUCTION-ANESTHESIA

CPT 00539: Anesthesia for Tracheobronchial Reconstruction

Showing 1–10 of 23

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

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State Reimbursement Rates

State: Alaska1 / 51

Rate by payer

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

9 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
54	Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…	- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
55	Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…	- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
207LA0401X	Addiction Medicine (Anesthesiology) Physician	An anesthesiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of addictions.
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207SG0203X	Clinical Molecular Genetics Physician	A clinical molecular geneticist demonstrates competence in performing and interpreting molecular analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of …
207RP1002X	Physician Nutrition Specialist (Internal Medicine)	A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of primary nutritional diseases (e.g., undernutrition, overnutrition, and genetic or acquir…
231H00000X	Audiologist	(1) A specialist in evaluation, habilitation and rehabilitation of those whose communication disorders center in whole or in part in hearing function.…
246ZE0600X	Electroneurodiagnostic Specialist/Technologist	Technologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Specialist/Technologist, Other
364SN0000X	Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

31 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
I20.0	Unstable angina
I20.9	Angina pectoris, unspecified
I21.3	ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site
I21.9	Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified
I25.10	Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
I25.110	Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with unstable angina pectoris
I34.0	Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
I34.1	Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) prolapse
I34.9	Nonrheumatic mitral valve disorder, unspecified
I35.0	Nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis

Showing 1–10 of 31

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 2

7 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-06-01
Sites of Service	priority health	2026-06-01
Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Services	univerahealthcare	2026-05-21

CPT 00500: Anesthesia for Esophageal Procedure

CPT-00520-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST-BRONCHOSCOPY

CPT 00520: Anesthesia for Closed Chest Procedures, Bronchoscopy

CPT-00522-NEEDLE-PLEURAL-BIOPSY-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST

CPT 00522: Anesthesia for Pleural Needle Biopsy

CPT-00524-ANESTHESIA-CLOSED-CHEST-PNEUMOCENTESIS

CPT 00524: Anesthesia for Closed-Chest Pneumocentesis

CPT-00528-ANESTHESIA-MEDIASTINOSCOPY-DIAGNOSTIC-THORACOSCOPY

CPT 00528: Anesthesia for Mediastinoscopy and Diagnostic Thoracoscopy

CPT-00529-ANESTHESIA-MEDIASTINOSCOPY-ONE-LUNG-VENTILATION

CPT 00529: Anesthesia for Mediastinoscopy/Thoracoscopy with One-Lung Ventilation

CPT-00530-ANESTHESIA-PERMANENT-TRANSVENOUS-PACEMAKER-INSERTION

CPT 00530: Anesthesia for Permanent Transvenous Pacemaker Insertion

CPT-00532-ANESTHESIA-FOR-CENTRAL-VENOUS-ACCESS

CPT 00532: Anesthesia for Central Venous Access

CPT-00537-CARDIAC-ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY-ANESTHESIA

CPT 00537: Anesthesia for Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures

CPT-00539-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-RECONSTRUCTION-ANESTHESIA

CPT 00539: Anesthesia for Tracheobronchial Reconstruction

Showing 1–10 of 23

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

`33405`	Replacement, aortic valve; with cardiopulmonary bypass	Unrelated to typical ICD insertion but may occur in the same operative episode for patients undergoing concurrent major cardiac surgery; anesthesia planning differs for open valve replacement.
`33533`	Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); single arterial graft	Represents concurrent or staged coronary revascularization; may occur in complex cases where ICD insertion is part of a broader surgical plan.
`33208`	Insertion of new or replacement of permanent pacemaker with transvenous electrode(s); atrial and ventricular	Closely related; pacemaker insertion and ICD insertion share procedural steps, vascular access, and anesthesia considerations.
`92980`	Transcatheter placement of intracoronary stent(s), percutaneous, with coronary angioplasty when performed; single vessel	Performed in the catheterization lab; may be performed in the same session for patients requiring coronary intervention in addition to device therapy.

CPT 00534: Anesthesia for Transvenous Cardioverter–Defibrillator Insertion

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National Reimbursement Benchmarks

CPT 00534: Anesthesia for Transvenous Cardioverter–Defibrillator Insertion

Sign up for cpt 00534 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

CPT 00534: Anesthesia for Transvenous Cardioverter–Defibrillator Insertion

Sign up for cpt 00534 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

CPT 00534: Anesthesia for Transvenous Cardioverter–Defibrillator Insertion

Sign up for cpt 00534 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does CPT 00534 represent?

Which anesthesia providers commonly bill for CPT 00534?

What perioperative monitoring and support are typically documented for this procedure?

How does CPT 00534 relate to other CPT codes listed on the page?

Which diagnoses on the page commonly coexist with indications for ICD insertion documented under CPT 00534?

References

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does CPT 00534 represent?

Which anesthesia providers commonly bill for CPT 00534?

What perioperative monitoring and support are typically documented for this procedure?

How does CPT 00534 relate to other CPT codes listed on the page?

Which diagnoses on the page commonly coexist with indications for ICD insertion documented under CPT 00534?

References