Ask Dr. Z

Would you use code 33010 or 33015 for the following example? "Sheath Introducer Kit was inserted into the Pericardium. The sheath kit was removed. Pericardial tap performed & cath inserted into the pericardium. Removed fluid 600cc. Cath sewn in with JP drain. I'm confused because your 2017 book states Use code 33010 when pericardiocentesis is performd through a catheter and left in place for conintuous drainage., but encoderpro's lay terms for 33010: physician places a long needle below the sternum and directs it into the pericardial space.; When fluid is aspirated, the physician may advance a guidewire through the needle into the pericardial space and exchange the needle over the guidewire for a drainage cath. Lay terms 33015 ;When pericardial fluid flows back through the needle, the physician passes a guidewire through the needle into the pericardial space. The physician exchanges the needle over the wire for an indwelling drainage catheter. The physician attaches the catheter to a drainage bag, sutures the indwelling catheter into place on the chest wall, and dresses the wound."