Please note this question was answered in 2014. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
PICC Line Insertion
Question:
I have a situation where there is a question about what CPT codes can be billed together with a PICC line insertion. I have a charge for the insertion of the PICC (no pump > 5) and ultrasound charges for US-guided vascular access (76937) and duplex UE/LE unilateral (93971). Can codes 76937 and 93971 be billed together for PICC line insertion? There is documentation by the radiologist that "US evaluation was performed of the left UE to evaluate vessel patentcy and the basilic vessel was deemed patent. During real time sonographic imaging, access was gained into the basilic vein utilizing micropuncture technique. Sonographic imaging obtained for confirmation." The documentation for the duplex states to "please correlate with the PICC line placement." If both ultrasound codes cannot be billed, which is the appropriate one to use?
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