Ask Dr. Z | Thoracentesis following Instillation of alteplase into chest tube

Please note this question was answered in 2022. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

Thoracentesis following Instillation of alteplase into chest tube

Date: May 9, 2022

Question:

I have two reports same day. Patient has a loculated right plural fluid. The patient has three tubes in place. The radiology report states 10 mg of Alteplase diluted in a total 80 mL of normal saline was instilled into the right thorax. Left in for 2 hours and 20 minutes. I billed 32561 and 76942-26 (it was done under ultrasound guidance).

Now a couple hours later I have another report for: "Three indwelling chest tubes were placed to aspiration for evacuation of previously instilled 80 mL of diluted fibrinolytic agent. A total of 350 mL was successfully evacuated from right thorax. The tunneled right thoracic pleurx drainage catheter was occluded."

I'm not sure what to bill for the second visit - if anything?

Question ID : 16379

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