Ask Dr. Z

Patient presents for planned embolization of splenic arteries. Goal is to treat splenomegaly, as it is causing thrombocytopenia, which is complicating treatment for metastatic rectal cancer. Facility wants to charge celiac and splenic angios, as there is no documentation of previous catheter-based angio or CT. However, the decision to embolize a specific organ for a known pathology was made prior to the procedure, so my thinking is that any angiography performed during the embolization is necessary to perform the procedure and thus should not be considered as diagnostic. Any guidance provided is very much appreciated.