Loading...

    Explore
    • Policy Monitoring
    • Live Policy Feed
    • Billing Codes
    • NPI Medicare & Medicaid
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Health Insurance Payers
    • States
    • Service Lines
    • Taxonomy Codes
    Lookup tools
    • Billing Code Lookup
    • CPT Modifier Lookup
    • Provider Taxonomy Code Lookup
    • Healthcare Provider & Facility Lookup
    • Health Insurance Payer Lookup
    • Payer Contact Directory

    Policy & Benchmark Tools

    • Prior Authorization Lookup
    • Coverage Criteria Lookup
    • Timely Filing Lookup
    • Billing Code Reimbursement Rates
    • Payer Comparison Dashboard
    • Facility Comparison Dashboard
    • All tools

    Company

    • About OpenPayer
    • Data Sources
    • Trek Health
    OpenPayerby Trek Health
    LinkedInYouTube

    © 2026 Trek Health. All rights reserved.

    OpenPayer is built and maintained by Trek Health.

    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesOutpatient PPSHCPCS hcpcs-c1721-implantable-dual-chamber-cardioverter-defibrillator
    Ask Trek AI about this page

    HCPCS C1721: Cardioverter-Defibrillator, Dual Chamber (Implantable)

    HCPCS Level II code C1721 describes an implantable dual-chamber cardioverter-defibrillator device used for detection and correction of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias; the service is the provision of the implantable defibrillator device itself, typically associated with cardiac electrophysiology procedures and implanted in an inpatient or outpatient hospital or electrophysiology lab setting for patients requiring device-based therapy for ventricular tachyarrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest prevention.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Diagnosis of Hypertension in Patients with Elevated Office Blood Pressure, Cardiology - Ivabradine, Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA).

    Customize your policy alerts

    Sign up for hcpcs C1721 policy alerts

    Get alerted when payer policies referencing C1721 are released or updated.

    Monitor payer policy activity

    Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 7

    Explore openpayer tools

    • Billing CodesCPT, HCPCS, DRG & more
    • Reimbursement RatesCommercial vs. Medicare rate reports
    • Facility ComparisonBeds, revenue & payer mix
    • ProvidersHospitals & facilities
    • PayersPlans & market footprint
    • Taxonomy CodesNUCC specialty codes
    • ModifiersCPT modifiers & usage
    • Prior AuthorizationPA policies by payer & drug
    • Timely FilingFiling deadlines by payer
    • Coverage CriteriaMedical necessity by payer
    • Payer ContactsClaims, PA & appeals contacts
    View all tools

    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 68-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy and symptomatic ventricular tachycardia despite optimal medical therapy, referred for implantation of a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (C1721). The clinical workflow begins with pre-procedure evaluation: cardiology consult, history and physical, review of recent echocardiogram, assessment of anticoagulation, and informed consent. Pre-procedure testing includes 12-lead ECG, device interrogation if a prior pacemaker exists, basic labs, and chest radiograph as indicated.

    On the day of the procedure the patient is admitted to an electrophysiology laboratory or cardiac catheterization suite. Conscious sedation or general anesthesia is administered based on patient factors and anesthesia plan. Vascular access is obtained (typically subclavian or axillary vein), and transvenous leads are advanced into the right atrium and right ventricle with fluoroscopic guidance. The dual-chamber cardioverter-defibrillator generator is implanted in a subcutaneous or submuscular pocket and connected to the atrial and ventricular leads. Lead testing and device programming are performed intraoperatively to confirm appropriate sensing, pacing thresholds, and defibrillation safety testing as clinically indicated. A post-implant chest radiograph confirms lead position; the patient is observed for complications such as hematoma, pneumothorax, or lead dislodgement and receives postoperative device education.

    Typical site of service is an electrophysiology laboratory or cardiac catheterization suite within an acute care hospital or an ambulatory surgical center that supports implantable cardiac devices. Length of stay ranges from same-day discharge for uncomplicated implants to overnight observation for higher-risk patients.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    33249Insertion or replacement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, dual leads (e.g., right atrial and right ventricular) (AICD), with transvenous leads, single or dual chamber, with defibrillator testPrimary procedural CPT often used for dual-chamber ICD implantation and intraoperative testing.
    33233Insertion of a temporary transvenous single or dual lead pacing system; without continuous ECG monitoring by physicianMay be performed preoperatively if temporary pacing support is required before ICD implant.
    93306Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with image documentation (2D), includes M-mode recording, when performed; completePreoperative transthoracic echocardiogram to assess ventricular function and anatomy prior to device placement.
    93000Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; tracing and interpretationPre- and post-procedure ECGs to document rhythm and device effects.
    33234Insertion or replacement of permanent pacemaker with transvenous single lead and temporary transvenous pacing (when both are done) — (note: pacemaker codes used when ICD not required)Related when pacemaker therapy is considered or when an upgrade/downgrade between pacemaker and ICD occurs.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –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…
    23Modifier -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…
    52Modifier ‑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…
    53Modifier 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…
    54Modifier ‑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…
    55Modifier –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…
    56Modifier ‑56 indicates the reporting provider furnished only the preoperative management for a surgical procedure and did not perform the intraoperative or postoperative care. It is used in…- Use Modifier -56 when a provider performs only the preoperative management in a split‑care situation (one physician manages preop care while a different physician performs the intraoperative…
    62Modifier 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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207RC0000X
    207L00000X
    208000000X
    364S00000X
    367A00000X
    246ZX2200X
    170100000X
    225800000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    I21.09ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery of anterior wall
    I21.3ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of unspecified site
    I25.10Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
    I25.110Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with unstable angina pectoris
    I25.5Ischemic cardiomyopathy
    I25.9Chronic ischemic heart disease, unspecified
    I42.0Dilated cardiomyopathy
    I42.8Other cardiomyopathies
    I42.9Cardiomyopathy, unspecified
    I44.1Atrioventricular block, second degree

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Diagnosis of Hypertension in Patients with Elevated Office Blood PressureBluecross Idaho2026-11-01
    Cardiology - IvabradineCigna2026-10-15
    Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Percutaneous Ventricular Assist DeviceUnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Cardiovascular Disease Risk AssessmentOscar Health2026-10-01
    Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart FailureOscar Health2026-10-01
    Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular ProceduresBlue Cross Blue Shield - Maine2026-10-01
    Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devicesexcellus_health_plan_inc2026-09-17
    Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devicesuniverahealthcare2026-09-17
    Cardiac Omnibus CodesCigna2026-09-15

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-C1713-IMPLANTABLE-ANCHOR-SCREW-BONE-FIXATION

    HCPCS C1713: Anchor/Screw for Bone or Soft Tissue Fixation (Implantable)

    HCPCS-C1714-TRANSLUMINAL-DIRECTIONAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

    HCPCS C1714: Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional

    HCPCS-C1715-BRACHYTHERAPY-NEEDLE

    HCPCS C1715: Brachytherapy Needle

    HCPCS-C1716-BRACHYTHERAPY-GOLD-198-SOURCE

    HCPCS C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198, Per Source

    HCPCS-C1717-HDR-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE

    HCPCS C1717: HDR Iridium-192 Brachytherapy Source, Per Source

    HCPCS-C1719-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE-NON-STRANDED

    HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded

    HCPCS-C1724-ROTATIONAL-TRANSLUMINAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

    HCPCS Level II C1724: Rotational Transluminal Atherectomy Catheter

    HCPCS-C1725-TRANSLUMINAL-ANGIOPLASTY-CATHETER-NON-LASER

    HCPCS Level II C1725: Transluminal Angioplasty Catheter, Non-Laser

    HCPCS-C1726-NON-VASCULAR-BALLOON-DILATATION-CATHETER

    HCPCS C1726: Catheter, Balloon Dilatation, Non-Vascular

    HCPCS-C1727-BALLOON-TISSUE-DISSECTOR-CATHETER

    HCPCS C1727: Catheter, Balloon Tissue Dissector, Non-Vascular

    Showing 1–10 of 603

    • More pages

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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.
    Published by

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

    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.

    93279
    Programming device evaluation and/or reprogramming, complex, with analysis and report
    Device interrogation and complex programming performed intraoperatively and during follow-up visits.