Ask Dr. Z

Can code 61650 be used for the radiologist's portion of the WADA test?

"Bilateral common carotid arteries.

Bilateral internal carotid arteries.

With the diagnostic catheter in the left internal carotid artery we proceed to administer 4 mg of Brevital over 3 seconds, the patient is seen to turn left-sided hemiplegic and is assess for language and memory. Once she regains strength additional 2 mg of Brevital administered intra-arterially and new memory items are shown to the patient. After the patient fully recovers from both injections the catheter is placed in the right internal carotid artery. 4 mg of Brevital over 3 seconds are administered into the left ICA and once the patient becomes right-sided hemiplegia we assess for language and memory. Additional 1 mg of Brevital was administer interest E really and new memory attention to the patient. The patient recovers fully from the injection and the catheter is removed without complication. The sheath is removed and a 6 French Angio-Seal is used as closure device."