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Abandoned Radial Access

Date: Mar 14, 2014

Question:

I’m having a debate with myself on how to code this: "Radial access obtained. Resistance with attempts to advance a 5 French sheath and the patient complaint of pain. Angiography showed a small patent radial artery without focal stenosis, dissection, perforation, or other complications. As the 5 French was completely occlusive and could not be advanced, it was removed and hemostasis was obtained. We then obtained femoral access and completed the procedure." Would you code the angiography or radial access? And, if so, with what codes? I am leaning toward just reporting code 93458 since I do not have a diagnosis found on the angio... and the access would be included?

Question ID : 5516
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