Ask Dr. Z

When a patient has a cardiac cath performed via radial access, I've been told intra arterial injections are being administered to "prevent" vasospasm while the catheter is being manipulated and moved throughout the cardiac cath procedure. These injections are not given when access is gained via the groin. These claims are hitting a CCI edit with the cardiac cath codes and CPT 96373. In my opinion, this would be included as part of the cardiac cath procedure and adding a 59 modifier would not be appropriate. What are your thoughts? Thank you.