Ask Dr. Z

Ask Dr. Z Knowledge Base houses over 7,500 coding questions and answers dating back to 2013.

Ask Dr. Z Disclaimer

Please note this question was answered in 2014. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

35286

Date: May 30, 2014

Question:

Condensed version: Physician states, "It was thought at the time that a fem-fem bypass would be required. A PTFE graft was tunneled appropriately the proximal fem-fem was created on the left. Attention was now turned to the right groin, and arteriotomy was obtained. Using a Fogarty catheter, thrombectomy was performed of a large amount of thrombus and was removed until backbleeding was achieved. The PTFE was turned into a patch, and the patch was used to close the arteriotomy. In the left groin the proximal anastomosis was cut, and the PTFE was turned into a patch angioplasty as well." In this case would you only code the patch angioplasty and not for the intended PTFE even though it was placed? The ultimate result was a right thrombectomy and a left patch angioplasty.

Sign up for a membership to view the answer to this question.

Need to ask Dr.Z?

Don't see the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base? No problem. You can ask Dr. Z directly!
Ask Dr. Z a question now!