Ask Dr. Z

Ask Dr. Z Knowledge Base houses over 7,500 coding questions and answers dating back to 2013.

Ask Dr. Z Disclaimer

Please note this question was answered in 2020. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

RHC prior to insertion of Impella VAD

Date: Jul 31, 2020

Question:

The patient came in for a staged complicated procedure of the LAD and LC. The physician states, "Given the patient's LV dysfunction and cardiomyopathy, we elected to put in an Impella device." A right heart cath was done. RH hemodynamics: RA pressure was 7, RV was 36/5 with a PA of 36/10, and a wedge of 11. Mix venous sat was 74%. Should there be an additional charge for the RHC, or is this procedure a standard of care prior to an insertion of a VAD except during an emergency?

Sign up for a membership to view the answer to this question.

Need to ask Dr.Z?

Don't see the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base? No problem. You can ask Dr. Z directly!
Ask Dr. Z a question now!