Diagnostic ECGs done prior to, or after, a heart catheterization or coronary angiogram are separately billable with modifier 59

Q.

Our revenue integrity department says that we cannot assign a separate CPT^® code for any electrocardiogram (ECG) on the same day as a heart catheterization/coronary angiogram. Is that true? They have been removing the charges. 

A.

No, it is not correct. Diagnostic ECGs done prior to or after the heart catheterization/coronary angiogram are separately billable with modifier 59. ECGs done as monitoring during the heart catheterization are not separately billable.