Ask Dr. Z

Does code 0644T require intraoperative reinfusion of aspirated blood to be performed to capture the complete code? And would modifier -52/-53 be required with aborted procedure in this context?

37184 + 0664T? With or with out modifiers?

Example: 

"Over an amplatz wire, Triever24 was advanced into the interlobar right pulmonary artery, and mechanical aspiration was performed. The Triever24 was then pulled back to the right main pulmonary artery and additional aspiration performed. Trevogram was obtained to assess clot burden. The Mariner catheter and Glide Advantage wire were used to select the TA and aspiration thrombectomy performed.

The Mariner cath and glide wire were used to access the LT main pulmonary artery. The wire was exchanged for Amplatz wire and Triever24 was advanced into the LT main pulmonary artery. During the procedure, patient oxygen slowly drifted down requiring additional oxygen and mask support. At this point the surgery was aborted."