Ask Dr. Z

We get different information from different sources regarding downcoding venous duplex studies. Here is an example report. How would you code it? "Lower Extremity Duplex Venous Ultrasound: Technique: Doppler examination of the right lower extremity was performed for evaluation for deep venous thrombosis. Findings: The common femoral vein, superficial femoral vein, popliteal vein, and posterior tibial veins are all well visualized. There are no intraluminal echoes. The veins are all compressed with minimal transducer pressure. Doppler interrogation yields good venous signals in the above veins. In addition, there was significant augmentation with manual compression of the lower extremity inferior to the transducer. Impression: No evidence of deep venous thrombosis of the right lower extremity."