Ask Dr. Z

Op note states: "Aortography, abdominal plus bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity, catheter, by serialography, radiological S&I; US-guided left common femoral artery puncture using micropuncture needle; R lower extremity angiogram; IVUS aorta, right common iliac artery, right external iliac artery, right common femoral artery, right superficial femoral artery, right popliteal artery, right tibioperoneal trunk, right anterior tibial artery, right dorsalis pedis artery, right lateral tarsal artery, right peroneal artery, right posterior tibial artery; IVUS left common iliac artery, left external iliac artery, and left common femoral artery. Angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting performed right leg, mild disease found L leg. No angiography of left leg performed." 

How many IVUS can be coded? Our coder states one per leg, code description states per vessel, but MUE is 5. Provider wants IVUS coded for every vessel. What guidelines are available to support correct coding?