The following is a recent coding question submitted by one of our ZHealth Online members and Dr. Z’s answer:

Coding Question:  Dr Z., for an AAA repair that extends into the right common iliac necessitating embolization of the right hypogastric artery "to ensure a seal" – can we separately code for the embolization, or is this bundled into the stent graft placement?

Dr. Z’s Answer: You are allowed to code for any associated embolization at the time of stentgraft deployment. This is most common in the internal iliacs and the inferior mesenteric artery and is done to prevent recurrence of the aneurysm.  Code for the catheter placement, probably first order 36245, embolization 37204 and 75894, and, if a follow up angio after embolization is performed, add 75898.  The initial imaging is most likely from the Aortogram and pelvic obliques which is bundled into the stentgraft placement.

Pre-Order your 2008 Interventional Radiology Coding book – January 2008 release

Dr. Z’s Medical Coding Series:  Interventional Radiology Coding Reference:  2008 Edition is going to the printer shortly and will be ready for release and shipping in January 2008. Pre-order yours by December 31, 2007 and also receive a FREE copy of the 2007 IR Coding Reference ($295 value – for only the cost of shipping) – or opt to receive the new 2008 IR book, only, in January. 

Scottsdale in February

It’s a great place to be in the dead of winter. Our next Interventional Radiology & Cardiology Coding Conference will be Scottsdale, AZ at the beautiful FireSky Resort & Spa. Join us February 19-22 to learn more about interventional radiology, cardiology, and endovascular surgery coding than you thought possible. Note that there are individual tracks from ½ day to 3 days during that time as well. Plus have a great time at the FireSky and in the Phoenix area. Read what others have said about our coding conferences – and why so many clinicians and coding professionals keep coming back.

You’ll receive a copy of the brand new  Dr. Z’s Medical Coding Series:  Interventional Radiology Coding Reference:  2008 Edition as part of your registration, and ZHealth Online members receive a 10% discount off their registration. We hope to see you in Scottsdale!  Our complete 2008 conference schedule will be posted online soon.

Webinar Postponed

Our next Webinar, Electrophysiology, Pacemaker and Defibrillator Coding, originally scheduled for November 29^th has been postponed. We’ll have a new date posted online soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,

ZHealth Publishing