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ACCESS RIGHT, THEN LEFT

Date: Dec 6, 2021

Question:

Right internal carotid & right vertebral angiograms from right common femoral access. US used to determine potential access sites and for real-time guidance into the RTCFA. Images saved to patient's record. Catheter advanced into RTII and diagnostic angiogram performed. Shows prompt filling into RTII with atherosclerotic and irregular RTCIA with a chronic dissection. Dissection extends into lower aspect of aorta. Attempts were not made to cross the chronic occlusion/dissection. As such, decision was made to access the contralateral groin. LTCFA accessed successfully and 36224, 36226 were completed.

Is the catheter placement, angiogram and US done on the right side billable? On one hand I'm thinking it's not because 36224 includes access so I don't believe we should bill for this access but on the other it was on a different side. Doctor states diagnostic but it seems more road mapping to me.

Thanks.

Question ID : 16137
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