Ask Dr. Z

We have been billing the new codes for lithotripsy done in the lower extremities (i.e., C9765). There are usually diagnostic aortogram and lower extremity angiograms done prior (same time) to the intervention with the lithotrispy balloon (C1725). We are receiving claim rejections looking for surgical codes. I can't tell if they are not recognizing the C9765 or if they want me to bill for catheter placement for the lithotripsy procedure. Do you have any feedback on whether to bill for catheters with these lower extremities litho cases? I haven't been able to find any information on this, other than a statement in one of your examples that catheter placements and S&I are bundled, but that example included codes 37228/37232, which do include catheters.