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Please note this question was answered in 2010. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

Date: Mar 16, 2010

Question:

Dear Dr. Z, This is a procedure we've been unable to locate any coding advice on thus far: CLINICAL INFO: ESRD w/left upper arm fistula that is difficult to cannulate PROCEDURE: Skin overlying the Left Upper Arm fistula was prepped/draped...Ultrasound was used to mark the course of the fistula on the skin. Multiple sterile OR markers were used. Then, 22 gauge needle was used to abraid the skin through the ink. This resulted in small tattoo dots along the course of both sides of the fistula. IMPRESSION: Successful marking of he course of a left upper arm fistula. We have considered Unlisted Skin 17999 (APC 12, SI "T") with 76942 (SI "N"), but also wonder about Unlistd Vasc. 37999 and/or Unlisted Ultrasound 76999. Your opinion and advice would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance. It was great meeting you at our facility in November!

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