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 2023. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

TAVR with Emergent Sternotomy

Date: Jan 2, 2023

Question:

"The patient had successful TAVR placed and developed pericardial effusion. Provider performed an emergent sternotomy and evacuated a large amount of blood and placed multiple sutures. Hematosis was obtained and the chest wall closed. The patient had a dusky lower limb, and cardiology removed the sheath from the TAVR repair and the patient become significantly hypotensive. The provider then re-opened the sternotomy and removed more clots (the patient never left OR)." 

How would you report the emergent sternotomy since the TAVR was successfully completed as a percutaneous approach (33361)?

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!