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Attempted CardioMEM implant

Date: Jan 15, 2021

Question:

"Our interventional cardiologist brought the patient to the cath lab for a RHC and CardioMEMS implant. The RHC was performed followed by a pulmonary angiogram via RFV access to identify a suitable vessel. The LPA was found to be an appropriate site for the device. The CardioMEMS device was advanced to the PA segment; however, they could not obtain reliable device waveforms. After multiple attempts and repositioning it was felt the patient's anatomy and BMI were preventing adequate device/controller signal. Device was removed and not implanted." Should we report the attempted CardioMEMS procedure (33289) or consider reporting the work that was done RHC with PA (93451, 93568)? Should we consider a modifier -53 here?

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