Ask Dr. Z

Hi Dr. Z - In the December 29th issue of the ZHealth online newsletter regarding Non-Vascular Sclerosis, reference was made to SIR and ACR recommendations to use codes 20500 and 76080 for these procedures. There is much conflicting information from other industry sources recommending that a UPC code be used for these services. Can you please provide the SIR and ACR sources/articles that you are referencing? It is my understanding from discussion with physicians that alcohol ablation/sclerosing (i.e., liver, kidney) involves more work, time, and risk than the RVU's assigned to 20500 and 76080. Was the recommendation of 20500 only in reference to lymphocele sclerosing or should this code be applied to all non-vascular sclerosing regardless of anatomical site? Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.