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 The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

49083 Abdominal paracentesis x 2

Date: Oct 13, 2020

Question:

"In the left lower quadrant the catheter was placed into the peritoneum using ultrasound guidance. 1 L. of yellow fluid was drained, but then the catheter would not drain further despite further repositioning of the patient. The catheter was against the bowel. The catheter was then removed. The right lower quadrant was then prepped and draped. Under ultrasound guidance the catheter was advanced into the peritoneum. An additional 4 L. yellow fluid was removed. The catheter was then removed." Is it permissible to code 49083 twice?

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!