Ask Dr. Z

Our physician recently has inquired about billing for angiography of the iliac system. In part he is doing this to ensure adequate sheath placement and for closure. He is also noting any underlying pathology, but is not treating any stenosis found, etc. In the past this was treated as road-mapping. As long as his documentation supports that he is performing a diagnostic angiogram of the iliac, is it billable? He is documenting the following: "...performed dedicated diagnostic angiogram of the left iliac system to evaluate for underlying pathology as well as to ensure adequate sheath placement." The findings are then detailed in the S&I section of the note.