Ask Dr. Z

Procedure was “Hepatic radioembolization preparatory angiogram and Tc99m-MAA administration.” Can we code 36247 catheter placement for MAA administration? CPT Assistant, February 2012 says, “The administration of a radiopharmaceutical is inherent to nuclear medicine studies.” Is catheter placement included in nuclear medicine studies? Selective angiography was done with catheterization at left hepatic artery trunk. Radioisotope: Technetium-99m MAA administration was done from catheter position: Segment 4 branch off the left hepatic artery trunk. Contrast was also used, but it was not mentioned when or how it was given. 78202 and 78830 were done.

Can we code 36247 with 78202 and 78830 without 75726? Or should this be 75726, 36247, 78830, and 78202?