Ask Dr. Z

Our physician completed an embolectomy through the RT CFA. He found significant atherosclerotic disease in the RT CFA and decided to treat with the Endarterectomy as well. There was only one arteriotomy we explained that only one would be billable. But in this case, he is questioning it since there was the finding of the significant atherosclerotic disease. Can you please let us know if both would be billable in this case?

"Arteriotomy in the CFA which was extended through the femoral bifurcation onto the SFA. Large amount of calcific plaque was identified in this area and an endarterectomy was performed. Embolectomy catheter passed retrograde, artery crossclamped. Embolectomy catheter passed down profundofemoral artery distance of about 20 cm with no return. Embolectomy catheter passed down SFA down popliteal and into the peroneal artery. It was passed to 65 cm. Thrombus was removed. Saphenous vein in the groin was then harvested spatulated reversed and using a running suture was sewn in a patch angioplasty type fashion to the arteriotomy on the CFA."