Ask Dr. Z

We are wondering how to code this procedure. There is the question of the PA and PCWP. Would this be a right and left heart cath? And would there be additional reporting for the thermodilution and PCWP?

"The patient was brought emergently to the Cath Lab in cardiac arrest. The right femoral artery was engaged and selective angiographic images were obtained in multiple views. 6F and JL4 were used and the Left coronary artery was selectively engaged angiographic images were obtained.

We then obtained femoral venous access and a 6F sheath was placed in the same fashion as above. I then advanced a 5F Swan into the RH and the RA, RV, PA, and wedge pressures were recorded. PA sat was drawn. Thermodilution cardiac output was performed. Swan was removed. The patient tolerated the procedure well."