Ask Dr. Z

Can you please clarify whether the Penumbra (Indigo) is still considered aspiration thrombectomy or is it now considered mechanical thrombectomy. Previous responses stated it is aspiration, but our Cath Lab disagrees. The Mechanical Thrombectomy E-Learning Module states the only device that is appropriate for use with 92973 are the AngioJet devices. There are many MTD devices shown in the module, are none of them other than Angiojet coded with 92973? Of note, the Optum Guide to IR has an example that codes a Penumbra thrombectomy as mechanical.