Ask Dr. Z

Hi Dr. Z and Dr. Dunn, I have a couple of questions regarding required documentation. If a report lists hemo measurements, including systolic and end diastolic LV pressures, does the note also have to have specific verbiage stating 'the catheter crossed the aortic valve' or 'the catheter was pulled back (out of the valve)'? Wouldn't the documentation of those measurements be sufficient enough to bill for a left heart cath? On a similar note, does the report have to specifically state 'the coronary arteries were selectively injected' if the purpose of the exam is to evaluate CAD and the coronary vessels and any disease is described? CPT states that 'catheter palcement(s) in coronary arteriy(ies) involves selective engagement of the origins of the native coronary artery(ies)for the purpose of coronary angiography.' I would interpret this as catheter placement in the coronary artery itself or in the aorta at the origins of the left and right arteries. Your thoughts? Thank you so much.