Ask Dr. Z

We often had multiple sclerosis patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that present for venous interventions the internal jugular veins, subclavian veins and the azygos vein. We have no problems coding the procedures and cath placements except for the S & I code for the venography of the azygos vein (additional vessel. In the past the coders have been instructed to use 75774. I did not agree and now with your answer to question number 1 in the December newletter I know that we have been coding these incorrectly. I suggested that we use 76496 - unlisted fluoro procedure (eg diagnostic, interventional. Is this the appropriate code to use in this instance or is there a better code? Thanks for your help with this matter. Judy Den Herder