Ask Dr. Z

Pertaining to a previous Question below. If the Physician places a sheath or a dilator to be used for CT would you use 36410/76937? Thanks Question: If a patient comes in for a CT scan and requires an IV access to be placed by IR due to "poor venous access", is the 36000 and 76937 seperately reportable? Typically the 36000 is bundled, but due to the poor access and the fact that they are taken to IR for the procedure, does that warrant the charges? The fact that is performed for the sole purpose of administering the contrast, regardless of the reason they have poor access, does that void charging the 36000/76937 seperately? Answer: I would not code additionally unless CVC catheter was placed. An IV, no matter how hard it is, is part of a CT scan. Dr.z