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Evaluate/Drain Tunneled Pleural Catheter

Date: Jan 16, 2015

Question:

We have a patient who was brought to the IR department and had an ultrasound scan performed of the left chest to evaluate pleural effusion. The patient was then positioned in right decubitus and had the drain attached to suction to remove fluid. Would you recommend billing for a limited ultrasound, unlisted procedure, or a clinic visit for this service? The order was for a pleural drain evaluation, possible removal versus tPA of loculated collection.

Question ID : 6331
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