Ask Dr. Z

How would the following be coded? My docs are saying that code 10160 should be used for the fluid drainage, based on a reference where you indicated that 10160 should be used when the catheter is removed prior to patient leaving the procedure area. But the same catheter was used to instill the erythromycin and left in place for 2 hrs. CDR for 49405/6 says catheter 'may' be left in. Please advise. "Using u/s guidance, an 8.5 Fr drain was placed into the largest pocket of the SQ collection located in the RLQ. Vigorous aspiration was then performed with approximately 30 cc removed. U/S demonstrated complete collapse of the cavity. Then, 30 cc of 4 mg/mL of erythromycin was placed into the cavity and the drainage catheter was capped to facilitate sclerosis. Then, the patient was instructed to turn every 30 minutes 90 degrees for 2 hours. This allowed contact of the erythromycin to the walls of the cavity. After this time had elapsed, vigorous aspiration was performed demonstrating collapse of the cavity and the drain was removed."