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CTA or MRA + diagnostic angio w/embolization for subarachnoid hemorrhage

Date: Sep 20, 2023

Question:

A patient had a CTA. The finding showed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patient brought to IR where the provider performed a diagnostic angiography prior to embolization. Provider indicates gold standard for a subarachnoid hemorrhage is not a CTA or MRA but rather an angiography. The angiogram is needed to confirm diagnosis and to confirm the suitable nature of the disease for treatment. He agreed in cases where they are just intervening that the diagnostic angiogram cannot be coded. However, a CTA or MRA is not adequate to diagnose the source of the subarachnoid hemorrhage and the catheter angiogram is needed.

Do you agree, in cases of hemorrhage, we can code for a diagnostic angiogram even though a CTA or MRA was performed? What about this same scenario for a non-ruptured aneurysm?

Question ID : 19424
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