CPT Code 92950: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Explore CPT code 92950 for CPR, including chest compressions and rescue breathing, with guidance on documentation and billing.

Use Code

What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

CPT code 92950 is assigned for the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient who experiences cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This emergency procedure is typically performed when the patient's respiration and circulation stop abruptly and immediate action is required to restore spontaneous circulation. The procedure involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, and may also include artificial ventilation, depending on the patient's condition.

This critical care service is a separately billable procedure under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) guidelines, but it must meet specific guidelines related to documentation and service delivery. CPT code 92950 can be reported during inpatient hospital stays, in emergency departments, during code blue events, and in other critical settings where healthcare providers must perform CPR immediately to preserve life.

While emergency cardiac defibrillation, drug therapy, and advanced airway management may occur alongside CPR, they are reported using other CPT codes, as they are not included in 92950.

CPT code 92950 documentation requirements

To support billing and ensure compliance, CPT code 92950 documentation should include:

The time of cardiac arrest and CPR initiation
Duration of CPR and details of chest compressions or rescue breaths
The patient's condition prior to and following the event
Whether CPR services were provided in conjunction with other interventions like basic life support
Response to CPR (e.g., return of spontaneous circulation or transfer to higher level of care)
The role and signature of the healthcare provider who personally performed the service
Confirmation that CPR was not bundled with other services provided by the same physician on the same day

CPT code 92950 billing guidelines

When providing CPR, ensure compliance with critical care billing policies and CPT conventions:

CPT 92950 is only reimbursed when the provider personally performs and documents CPR
CPR is not included in codes for critical care services (e.g., 99291–99292) unless the time for CPR is separately accounted
If critical care and CPR are performed by the same physician, document time separately and consider using modifier 25 for E/M service
CPR must be medically necessary, based on the patient’s condition, and clearly documented in the medical record
Only one healthcare provider may bill 92950 per CPR episode, even if performed as part of a group practice
CPT code 92950 is not reportable if the procedure occurs during the global period of a related elective cardioversion or surgical service, unless it is distinctly separate and necessary

Other relevant CPT codes

99291–99292 – Critical care services
31500 – Emergency endotracheal intubation
36620 – Arterial catheter insertion
92960 – Elective cardioversion (non-emergency)

Frequently asked questions

Yes. CPT 92950 may still be reported even when other procedures (e.g., intubation or arterial line placement) are performed during the same encounter. However, each procedure must be separately documented and must not be bundled. Be sure to indicate the timing and necessity of each to ensure they are reimbursed separately when appropriate.

When CPR is performed, the time spent delivering chest compressions and managing breathing (e.g., artificial ventilation) cannot be included in the critical care time reported under CPT codes like 99291. To bill both services, providers must distinctly document the start and stop times for CPR performed and for critical care activities separately.

Yes. Early CPR, especially when performed effectively with proper breathing support and circulation, significantly improves survival rates during cardiac arrest. Prompt chest compressions help maintain blood flow to vital organs, increasing the chances of a successful resuscitation.