Ask Dr. Z

The PEDs congenital providers will occasionally place an arterial line during a congenital RHC for continuous monitoring due to patient safety concerns for some of their population. Because this (arterial line) is not routinely performed for a RHC, there has always been some question as to if this should be billed. They feel it should be billed. Below is an excerpt from the latest op report:

"For safety, it was deemed that an arterial monitoring line was needed to monitor blood pressure continuously and obtain blood gasses during the case. Accordingly, a 2Fr arterial monitoring line was inserted into the right femoral artery, under ultrasound guidance, using standard Seldinger technique, and connected to pressure transducer for continuous monitoring." 

Your thoughts are appreciated on billing code 36620 along with 93530 for both the facility and pro fee sides.