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 2021. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

TPA instilled through Pleural Catheter

Date: Dec 3, 2021

Question:

"The patient had loculated pleural effusion. 30cc syringe of 10 mg tPA was instilled via a Pleurx that was already in place. The Pleurx was clamped for 60 minutes, the clamp was removed, and minimal suction was placed on the Pleur-evac." Is it appropriate to assign code 32561, Instillation, via chest tube/catheter, agent for fibrinolysis (eg, fibrinolytic agent for break up of multiloculated effusion; initial day? Or would an unlisted code be more appropriate?

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!