Ask Dr. Z

While I am aware there is no CPT code for the removal of a non-tunneled intraperitoneal catheter, usually what we see for this is that they just kind of pull it out. For this procedure, the physician actually cut out the catheter. Is there anything we can pick up for this? "An incision was made along the previous insertion site of the catheter, just on the right lower abdomen. Local anesthetic was injected along this incision as well as along the tract of the catheter exit site. We made an incision with a #15 blade and dissected down with Bovie electrocautery down to the level of the peritoneal dialysis catheter. We placed proximal and distal clamps and transected the catheter. We used this clamp on the catheter to allow for traction. We were able to pull the catheter up. The fascial cuff was identified, and this was circumferentially dissected and the catheter was removed intact from the abdomen. The fascial area was then irrigated well and was closed. With gentle traction, we pulled and did blunt dissection, and we were able to remove the second cuff."