Please note this question was answered in 2022. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
Image guided thoracentesis
Date: Dec 27, 2022
Question:
When using the code 32555, does the ultrasound have to be in real-time? Example: Radiologist tech performs the ultrasound and marks the place for the provider. Once they are done with that, they leave and the provider enters and then performs the thoracentesis using the mark left by radiology. I am under the impression that image-guided is in real-time, but I wanted clarification on that.
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