2018 Change to Bone Marrow Biopsy Coding
On January 1, 2018, long-utilized HCPCS code G0364, Bone marrow aspiration performed with bone marrow biopsy through the same incision on the same date aof service, will be retired.
On January 1, 2018, long-utilized HCPCS code G0364, Bone marrow aspiration performed with bone marrow biopsy through the same incision on the same date aof service, will be retired.
January 2017 Q & A
Question: 32551 vs 32557
IR chest tube placement.
Indication: Large symptomatic right pneumothorax status post CT-guided lung biopsy.
Technique: The patient was placed supine on the fluoroscopy table. The right hemithorax was prepped and draped in a sterile fashion. The fifth and sixth rib interspace was localized with fluoroscopy, and 1% lidocaine was utilized for local anesthesia. A Cook pneumothorax 9 French drainage catheter was placed into the right pleural space using a trocar under direct fluoroscopic surveillance. The drain was then connected to a Heimlich valve, and good reexpansion of the right lung was achieved after the patient coughed. Postprocedural images demonstrate a small residual right apical pneumothorax with the drainage catheter overlying the anterior midlung zone.
Impression: Successful placement of 9 French chest tube with satisfactory re-expansion of the right lung.
May 2015 Q & A
Question: Coding Both Bone Marrow Aspiration and Bone Marrow Core Biopsy
According to the AMA’s CPT Assistant March 2015, when both bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy of the same site are performed, we can code both 38221 and 38220. Since there is a NCCI edit between the two codes, can we use modifier -59 to override this edit? Please clarify. Thanks.
August 2014 Q & A
Question: Liver biopsy with tornado coil placement
Physician performed a percutaneous needle core biopsy of the liver using ultrasound guidance (47000 &76942). At the end of his dictation for the biopsy, he said "An introducing needle was then placed into the lesion. An 8x4 tornado coil was placed through the introducing needle." Can I code for this coil placement, and if so, what code(s) would I use?