Ask Dr. Z

What is the most appropriate CPT and diagnosis code for the following scenario? "Indications: Transfer patient from outside facility after a piece of wire broke off in the left femoral artery during cath lab procedure. Post-op diagnosis: Retained wire left common femoral artery Procedure: The patient was taken to the operating room where the left common femoral artery was explored through an extension of the previous surgical access site. The subcutaneous tissue appeared to have some hematoma formation. The section of the wire was identified and easily retrieved. A 5-0 Prolene repair the entry into the common femoral artery. There was no attempt at exploring the common femoral further. Furthermore, the arterial signals at the left ankle remained a hyperemic and biphasic in nature, indicating that there was no evidence of distal embolization. The wire was submitted for gross inspection. The subcutaneous tissue was closed with 3-0 Vicryl. The skin was brought together using 4-0 Monocryl. Blood loss was less than 50 mL."