Ask Dr. Z

Would you please advise on coding a thrombectomy in the central dialysis segment of an AV fistula? There was also an angioplasty in the central dialysis segment on the same encounter (36901, 36907). "1) Excellent results of clearing of the stenosis in the venous limb of the graft with angioplasty with a 7 mm x 4 cm long balloon. There was resultant thrombus formation in the graft and subsequent draining venous system. 2) Successful pharmacomechanical thrombolysis of the thrombus within the graft and draining central veins using a Trerotola catheter, a cleaner catheter, a Fogarty balloon, a total of 4 mg of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and 6500 units of heparin. 3) Successful angioplasty of the central stenosis with a 10 mm x 4 cm long balloon."