Ask Dr. Z

We are new to coding thrombolysis cases, and we are questioning what catheter placement codes we can bill. Our report states, "Venous access was obtained via the left popliteal vein. Next, the catheter was placed into the left common iliac vein. Contrast injection was then performed in the iliac vein and IVC to perform venogram at this location to make sure there is no thrombus there. We then performed popliteal and femoral vein angiography to the side port of the 6 French sheath placed in the popliteal vein." We have come up with codes 37212, 76937-26, 75825-26, and 75820-26 for the ultrasound guidance for the thrombolysis and for the venograms. We are questioning what catheter codes we can use. We currently have 36005, 36010, and 36011.