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Initial AV synthetic vein graft along WITH neighboring vein graft

The patient came in for AV graft(36830) along with basilic vein graft after a diminished distal brachial pulse. Would there be a separate code for the vein patch angioplasty?

"Following initial construction of a brachial–axillary left upper arm AV graft, there was a complete loss of left radial pulse and Doppler signal, as well as a diminished pulse in the distal brachial artery. Due to significant concern for ischemic steal, I elected to revise the graft with more proximal looped inflow. The arterial anastomosis was taken down and the brachial artery was repaired with a patch of neighboring basilic vein. New inflow was constructed onto the axillary artery adjacent to our venous outflow anastomosis and a second graft segment was tunneled in the more medial upper arm. The 2 grafts were anastomosed to 1 another, creating a looped upper arm axillary–axillary AV graft. Upon completion, there was a palpable thrill in the graft, an ongoing faintly palpable radial pulse, and a multiphasic radial Doppler signal."

Central Venogram thru temporary hemodialysis catheter and removal

How would you code for the central venogram through the central venous catheter and then the removal of the catheter? I was thinking of only using code 36598.

"The left neck was prepped and draped, and the anchoring sutures were removed. The indwelling catheter was retracted into the peripheral aspect of the left brachiocephalic vein, from which a central venogram was performed. Imaging showed no central venous stenosis or central venous mural thrombus. It was felt that this patient would best be served by placing a Quinton catheter in a different location (reported separately). The Quinton catheter was then removed, and manual compression achieved hemostasis."

Venous stenting Lower Extremity

Is 37238-RT, 37239-LT, 37239-LT appropriate?

64% compression in the right common iliac

58% compression in the right external iliac

57% compression in the left external iliac

60% compression in the left common femoral

Stent to the right CIV that covered the compression of the right EIV

Stent to the left EIV

Stent to the left CFV

IVUS shows separate compression of the left CFV.

Insurance has denied 37238 for modifier. "After review of the medical record, bilateral stent placement in the lower extremity venous system was supported. There is a more appropriate modifier available."

37215 and 61635

I know these two codes bundle, but are they billable together same side when cervical and cerebral artery stents are placed?

Angioplasty and stenting of left internal carotid artery origin with distal embolic protection

Angioplasty and stenting of the intracranial left internal carotid artery petrous/lacerum segment

Ecmo Decannulation with Venorraphy

How would you code decannulation with vein repair? 33969 says cannulated vessel repair is included, but the provider feels it should be coded separately for additional work.

"The incision was carried down to the level of subcutaneous tissue using electrocautery. Fibers of the SCM muscle were then divided longitudinally to allow access to the IJ and the cannulation site. Once the cannulation site was exposed, we placed stay sutures using 5-0 prolene at the 12 o clock and 6 o clock position to help with retraction. With manual pressure being held proximal and distal to cannulation site, the cannula was withdrawn slowly in its entirety. The cannula was then passed off of the field. With the venotomy visible, we performed a venorrhaphy using 5-0 prolene in a running fashion. No obvious bleeding from the venorrhaphy was visible after pressure was relieved at proximal and distal ends."

Billing Wound Vac's with Skin Grafts

When would it be appropriate to bill a wound vac on the same day as a skin graft application?

Liver Embolization

Would coding be 36247 (rt hepatic) and 36248 (Segment 8) for the catheter placements only or 36247 only for the below? I am having trouble with the catheter selection is segment 8 going further or an addition placement? A mesenteric catheter was used to select the celiac artery. An arteriogram was performed demonstrating the origin of the right hepatic artery. A microcatheter was used to select the right hepatic artery. An arteriogram and cone beam CT were performed demonstrating tumor enhancement from the segment 8 artery. The microcatheter was used to select the segment 8 artery. An arteriogram and cone beam CT were performed confirming tumor enhancement. The tumor was embolized with 0.5 mL lipiodol. A completion non-contrast cone beam CT was performed confirming adequate tumor staining. I appreciate your help with your this question!

severe stenosis distal aorta&common iliacs &localized dissection aorta

Due to the fact that it was obvious that the distal aorta had to be dilated an angiogram was first obtained with the finding of the renal arteries to be higher than the area to be treated and therefore, the wires were placed on both sides. Next we dilated the area of the distal abdominal aorta to be able to place the stent there, which was an 11 mm across and 39 mm long. The wires were still both inside that stent and therefore, both of them were to be used to place the stents into each of the iliacs on each side, and both had to be simultaneously inflated. Once the stents were placed on both sides in the form of kissing stents, the patient had an angiogram done, which showed no obvious extravasation. the 8-French sheaths were used on both sides to make sure that upon injection of the sideports, the internal iliacs were not involved. Given the fact that the angiogram was acceptable, the patient had Perclose devices placed . Considerations: 37221-50, 37236 (stenosis bridging?) vs. 34701 or 34703, 37221-50 treatment of dissection or stenosis?

Breast aspiration with mammography or stereotactic guidance

If the providers are performing a puncture aspiration of the breast (19000) stating with "mammographic or stereotactic guidance", what codes would you suggest to capture the guidance? We can't report 19081-19082, 19281-19284, as they are not using any localization devices and no biopsies are being performed. I understand that a mammogram could be done in advance or post-op, and in those cases a mammogram code could be used. But the provider is calling this mammographic or stereotactic GUIDANCE.

Bicipital Groove injection for Chronic biceps tendinitis

Would you charge 20550 or 20551 for the following?

"Ultrasound identified the biceps groove, and with transducer in a transverse view, an access site was selected. 1% lidocaine was administered for local anesthesia. 100 mg Solu-Cortef with 3 mL 0.25% bupivacaine were injected into the bicipital groove immediately deep to the biceps tendon."

From my research the bicipital groove is the place where the long tendon of the biceps brachii muscle passes through.

MRI Cardiac with 3D recons

I am getting an edit that code 75561 is allowed with 76376 or 76377 but only with a modifier. Complete documentation is missing, but I want to check if the reconstructions are inherent in the cardiac MRI, before I query the physician. Thank you.

"TECHNIQUE: This examination was performed at UCI inpatient imaging facility on a Siemens Avanto 1.5T MR scanner. Axial truFISP survey of chest , multiplanar truFISP cine SA, VLA, HLA, LVOT, AV, phase contrast imaging through AV and multiplanar inversion recovery images were obtained at 10 minutes post contrast administration to assess for delayed myocardial hyperenhancement were performed. A total 18cc of Gadolinium contrast agent (MultiHance) was given without adverse effect. 3D post-processing was performed using a special cardiac software."

Balloon Occlusion of Fontan Fenestration

The patient was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who underwent staged palliation including Norwood/Sano, bidirectional Glenn anastomosis, fenestrated extracardiac conduit Fontan procedure, stent placement into Fontan fenestration and subsequent balloon angioplasty of stented Fontan fenestration and left pulmonary artery stent placement. She has plastic bronchitis and was scheduled for lymphatic imaging and possible occlusion of abnormal lymphatic collaterals to the lung. Transient balloon occlusion of Fontan fenestration was needed because of open fenestration with potential for right-to-left embolization of lipiodol droplets.

6F balloon wedge catheter was inserted thru right femoral venous sheath, advanced to extracardiac conduit and manipulated across stented Fontan fenestration. Transient balloon occlusion of Fontan fenestration was performed twice by interventional cardiologist during IR lymphatic procedure with lipiodol injection. I'd like to know how to report balloon occlusion of Fontan fenestration for facility and physician billing please.

Fluoroscopy CPT code

Our doctor did a multiplane fluoroscopy of the mitral and aortic mechanical valves to assess motion with image X-ray interpretation, and X-ray data fluoroscopy time 0.2 minutes with a dose of 47 mGy dose area product of 9.44. since the doctor did not mention chest x-ray (how many views). Regarding a doctor who does both the mitral valve and aortic valve, can we use 76000 x 2?

Add on 93657

Would 93567 be used here? PVI was performed. During isolation of the right sided PVs right phrenic nerve pacing was performed throughout ablation to ensure intact right phrenic nerve conduction. Right superior PV ablation had to be aborted due to transient right phrenic nerve palsy. The flexcath was exchanged back over the wire to the veracross sheath & repeat EAM was performed. The RSPV showed a persistent connection to the left atrium, so supplemental RF ablation was performed after mapping out the position of the right phrenic nerve. Ablation was successful in achieving PVI for Afib. Would this be considered part of the 93656 and no additional code would be supported? Would the physician have to state that a remaining afib was treated to support the additional code? Thanks!

-RT and LT modifiers on lower extremity interventions

You answered a question in 2011 regarding -RT and LT modifiers being appended to lower extremity interventions (CPT codes 37220-37235). There was a disclaimer that the question was answered in 2011 and the answer may have changed. Have there been any updates to the guidance you provided? At the time you said no but should check with the payer. Thank you in advance for re-visiting this question.

Debridement

MD performed debridement of three separate lesions of the lower leg. 1) Debridement including muscle and tendon 8 x 4 cm lesion.  2) Debridement skin & muscle 6 x 3 cm lesion. 3) Debridement skin & muscle 11 x 9 cm lesion.

Do we code 11043 x 3 for each lesion with 11046 x 4 or 11043 x 1 and 11046 x 6?

Bilateral common iliac vein and IVC stenting with AFX Endologix Endograft

"The endograft was placed in the main body and two iliac components. Under angiographic imaging, I noticed some larger lumbar collaterals and they were marked as our limit to IVC coverage with a covered stent. cc x 7.5 Enodlogix infrarenal endograft was deployed within the IVC stent overlapping the previously placed bifurcated endograft. Distal end was deployed immediately below the lumbar collaterals. The remaining infrarenal segment of sclerosis was treated with 18x100 Abre stent. The pararenal and suprarenal segment of IVC was treated with 36x80 Zenith dissection endovascular bare metal stent."

Please help. What all stents would be coded? Also, regular vein stent codes or is there a code set for endograft stents in the IVC and vein? I only see the EVAR codes for aorta and arteries.

Catheter placement for non-selective iliac vein stenting

Patient presents for a planned stent placement in the left external iliac vein due to a stenosis seen on a previous lower extremity venogram. Physician accessed the left common femoral vein and placed a stent in the left external iliac vein. Physician documented that stent deployed nicely and flow now open. Code 36005 is specific for injection procedure for extremity venography. What catheter placement code do we use in this case?

Multiple Peripheral Access sites due to claudication

Left Femoral access was obtained; RT Common Iliac was imaged and the catheter would not advance further due to claudication. RT Anterior Tibial access was obtained; angiography was performed and the stented lesion could not be crossed. A third access was gained; antegrade of the RT Common Femoral Artery; to SFA where PTA was performed. The hospital is capturing: CPT-37224 only. Generally the catheter placements are bundled with the intervention; however here there are multiple access sites (3) obtained. Should the other access sites also be coded for RT Common Iliac and Rt Anterior Tibial and if so what CPT's would apply here? CPT-36247/CPT-36140 or just CPT-36140 times two? Thank you for sharing your expertise on this issue!

34710 bundling with 33881

Patient has a previously placed EVAR device now with an endoleak of the iliac limb. An initial TEVAR was performed during the same session as delayed placement of an extension to the iliac. What would be the proper coding for this since code 34710 bundles with 33881?

TEE / Interpretation and report

Provider performs TEE on 11/15 but does not dictate/sign off on the report until 11/16. Is the probe placement (93313) billed on 11/15 and the (93314) Echocardiography, transesophageal, real-time with image documentation (2D) (with or without M-mode recording); image acquisition, interpretation and report only and (93325) Doppler echocardiography color flow velocity mapping (List separately in addition to codes for echocardiography) billed on 11/16?

ECMO Initiation

A surgeon who specializes in CT surgery places the VA ECMO cannula for pediatric patients, and then the cardiologist monitors the function of ECMO subsequently. Does the surgeon bill 33946, or is this the beginning of management for the cardiologist, which occurs on the same day that the surgeon has placed the ECMO cannula?

CRTD Generator Replacement

I have a portion of the surgery documentation below, and am wondering, based on what I have provided, if this would be CPT 33264?

PROCEDURE: CRTD generator replacement. CRTD interrogation and programming.

After local lidocaine infiltration, a 4 cm incision was made along the left deltopectoral groove. The subcutaneous pocket was opened with blunt dissection, and local hemostasis was obtained with cauterization. The CRTD generator and the leads were extracted from the pocket. The leads were disconnected from the generator. The underlying rhythm is AF. Sensing P wave 1.5 mV, impedance 400ohms. Sensing R wave wave 14.5 mV, pacing threshold 0.75 V and 0.4 ms, impedance 360ohms. LV epicardial lead pacing threshold 1.5 V and 0.4 ms, impedance 265 ohms.

A new CRTD generator was connected to the leads and into the pocket after antibiotic irrigation. An antibiotic envelope was used for prophylaxis. The wound was closed. Pacemaker interrogation showed stable RA, RV and epicardial LV lead measurements.

Xray Arthrogram

Is the use of fluoroscopic guidance required to report arthrography RS&I codes (e.g., 73040, 73525, etc.)? If the physician performs pre-injection x-ray for localization, inserts the needle intra-articularly and injects contrast, then performs post injection xray to identify/evaluate contrast within the joint and takes additional x-ray views in neutral, flexed and/or internal rotation for diagnostic interpretation, does this satisfy the "radiologic examination" component of the code description?

Sentinel Device used during a lead extraction

Patient arrived for AICD laser lead extraction with distal embolic protection, revision of pacemaker to AAI pacemeaker. Sentinel device was advanced through the radial approach to the ascending arch and under fluoroscopy. The proximal basket was deployed in the innominate artery. The distal basket was deployed successfully in the left carotid artery. Prowater wire was used for the advancement and monitoring. Device was secured. After the completion of the lead extraction, we were called into the Cath lab. Device position was documented by fluoroscopy, baskets were retrieved per protocol over a wire. Device was retrieved through the right radial sheath appropriately with no complication. The parentheticals for 33370 say to use with a TAVR code. What about when done during another procedure like this one? Unlisted 33999?

Iliofemoral, SFA, deep femoral Endarterectomies

EIA, CF, DF, SFA were dissected free, vessel loops proximally and distally, branches, pulled taut. Cooley clamp placed on EIA, 11-blade used to create arteriotomy in SFA, carried proximally onto the CF to the proximal CF artery. Total arteriotomy was approximately 8 cm. SFA endarterectomy performed. Distal end points tacked down w/sutures. Iliofemoral endart performed. Eversion was taken more proximal to the arteriotomy and up to the clamp. Iliofemoral endart was completed. 8-cm long arteriotomy and 0.8 x 8 cm Bovine patch was sewen into place using suture x 2. Patch went onto SFA approximately 3 cm.

Dr. wants to bill all 3 Endarterectomies-his response- Separate skin incision or separate artery incisions? Each artery is distinct/separate from the other arteries. Difference in work between a single iliofemoral endart vs a iliofemoral, superficial femoral endart, and deep femoral endart is extremely significant. Easily double the time of the procedure. They are separate arteries with separate CPT’s. Please help explain, 1 or 3 to be billed out?

Closure device with 36227 and 36228

The CPT Codebook, under Diagnostic Studies of Cervicocerebral Arteries, states 36221-36226 include closure of the arteriotomy by pressure or application of an arterial closure device. In the paragraphs regarding 36227 and 36228, the includes lists are stated, and are identical to 36221-36226, except for not mentioning closure by pressure or device. Can G0269 closure device be coded separately with 36227 and 36228, or is it included there also?

36002 or 37242

Catheter guided thrombin embolization of bleeding right femoral pseudoaneurysm/retroperitoneal bleed - Ultrasound-guided right proximal SFA access with catheter placement in common femoral artery with thrombin embolization. If it is direct puncture for thrombin injection to femoral aneurysm we bill 36002 . For this catheter based thrombin embolization do we bill 36002 or 37242?

34111 vs 34101

My physician is stating that 34101 should be used since the thrombectomy was done via a brachial incision rather than just 34111. Thoughts?

"There was thrombus that could be seen in all 3 of these vessels. I then pulled up on the vessel loops on the brachial artery. I removed the stitches that were in the brachial artery arteriotomy and I passed #3 Fogarty thrombectomy catheter proximally for approximately 20 cm and pulled the clot out of the brachial artery until I had pulsatile inflow. I then retrograde flushed with heparinized saline. I then placed a Yasargil clamp on the brachial artery. I then took the vessel loops off tension on the ulnar artery and I passed #3 Fogarty balloon catheter down the radial artery for approximately 28 cm and pulled out clot 3 successive times. The fourth time I did not pull clot back. I then flushed with heparinized saline, but did not re-clamp the vessel. I then passed a #3 as well as #2 Fogarty thrombectomy catheter down the ulnar artery for approximately 20 cm."

36215 or 36225

Can you explain under which circumstances you would choose 36215 over 36225?

In our recent example, the doctor documents that he "selectively engaged the left subclavian" during a left heart catheterization, would I use 36215 or 36225?

Thank you!

"Mildly reduced ejection fraction" in Interpretation of echo

In one of our cardiology clinics, they are billing I50.1 whenever the provider documents "mildly reduced ejection fraction" of the left ventricle in the findings/summary/interpretation of the TTEs without any mention anywhere else of the patient having heart failure. Is it appropriate to bill I50.1 when they only say there's a reduced rejection fraction, but there's nothing else about heart failure in the report? I thought having that key word "failure" was required to qualify for a heart failure code.

Reprogramming in person of the Cardiomems Device

For the cardiomems device 33289 i know the remote interrogation code is 93264. Our doctor performed reprogramming in person is the cpt code still 0417T. I can't locate any information. Thank you for your help,

Cholecystostomy placement and replacement same day

Under CT guidance, cholecystostomy was placed. This was a 8 French locking drain. At the conclusion, the GB drain was at the GB margin. Sideholes were outside of the GB lumen. We were unsuccessful in repositioning in CT. Patient was taken to specials and under fluro the drain was removed. Yueh centesis catheter was placed over the guidewire and contrast injected into the gallbladder. Showed filling of the GB lumen showing irregular luminal features compatible w/gangrenous cholecystitis. There was filling of the cystic duct and partial opacification of the CHD. A new 8 French locking drain was placed over the guidewire and a more desirable position within the GB. The catheter was secured to the skin.

How would I code this? Do we charge 47490 with the exchange/replacement 47536?

Cardioversion with Ablation - Documentation

If a cardioversion is performed at the start of an ablation prior to any ablation work, but we do not have separate consent/discussion for the potential cardioversion with the patient documented, is the cardioversion still separately billable?

37236 and 37246 for lower extremity bypass

If a patient has a stenosis in a lower extremity bypass, fem-pop for instance, and it is treated with stent or angioplasty would you code from 37236-37246 since it is not an 'artery' of the lower extremity? Or is the bypass now considered an artery of the appropriate territory and would be coded with 37224-37226? Thank you.

50200, 50592

Dr Z in 2012 you answered this question can we code both biopsy and ablation on same lesion. Is your answer the same in 2023, if the results from the biopsy are used to make the decision to ablate then we can code both?

Ilio-mesenteric bypass and ilio-hepatic bypass

Hello! We have a case where a provider did two separate bypasses via 2 arteriotomies and 4 anastomoses off of one vessel (right external iliac). He begins the procedure with a midline abdominal incision, lysis several adhesions due to extensive scar tissue to locate the mesenteric artery. He creates an arteriotomy and a PTFE graft is sewn end-to-side fashion to the right EIA. The graft was tunneled to the level of the SMA and perform an end-to-end anastomosis to the common hepatic artery. An arteriotomy was made and placed a 2nd PTFE graft onto the EIA in the region of the pelvis creating an end-to-side anastomosis and this limb of the mesenteric bypass was then tunneled in this retroperitoneal tissue up to the level of the SMA where an end-to-side anastomosis was created. Provider is choosing codes 35632 for the ilio-hepatic bypass and 35633 for the ilio-SMA bypass. My question is - can two bypasses be reported off of one vessel? If so, are these the correct bypass codes? Also, are lysis of adhesions separately reportable?

Thymectomy with resection of LN at Station 5 and 6

"Midline sternotomy incision was made with removal of anterior mediastinal tissue starting from the diaphragm inferiorly, then dissected laterally as far as the phrenic neurovascular bundles , dissection continued over the innominate vein,, all venous attachments of the anterior mediastinal fat to the innominate vein were ligated, dissection then continued superiorly to the lateral horns of the thymic tissue. Of note the anterior mediastinal mass encroached upon the left phrenic neurovascular bundle as it crossed over the left pulmonary hilum. I did have to transect the thickened mediastinal fat at this point to preserve the phrenic nerve. Enlarged LN at stations 5 and 6 were removed."

We are thinking that this is a radical thymectomy and should be billed with 60522. But are unsure of how to code for the lymph node removal as this code is not a primary procedure for the add on code 38746.

fistulogram not via direct access- facility reporting

Your 2023 Interventional Radiology Coding reference under Dialysis circuit intervention #10 advises “When imaging of the dialysis circuit is performed from a remote access (not via direct access of the circuit), use code 36901-52 (or -74 for hospital billing) as well as the remote arterial access catheter placement code (e.g., 36217 for right brachial artery injection of fistula when access is via the common femoral artery).” Based on recent advice in HCPCS Coding Clinic, they indicate modifier 74 should not be used if the intended px is performed. Your facility coding advice to use -74 doesn’t appear correct. However, uncertain if an unlisted code would be used or code i.e. 36901 with no modifier. What code would you assign if a cephalic vein fistula is accessed via the right internal jugular and fistulogram performed?

37246 Laterality modifier

Our provider performed a balloon angioplasty on the superior mesenteric artery. CTA demonstrated a high-grade stenosis on a previously stent in the same SM artery. Our system is telling us that it requires a laterality modifier (which we have used in the past for upper extremity interventions). Being that in this case we have the balloon intervention in the superior mesenteric artery, we are seeking information on if possibly another CPT code is required or if a laterality modifier will be required.

TCAR using dacron conduit

I have a case where the provider attaches a Dacron graft to the carotid artery to use as a conduit to give me more length to deploy the two stents. Made an arteriotomy with an 11- blade scalpel in the carotid artery. I then shaped the end of the Dacron graft appropriately and did an end-to-side anastomosis using 5-0 Prolene. After the TCAR was performed and the flow reversal system was disconnected - the conduit was then controlled at the arterial anastomosis and transected the Dacron graft using 6-0 Prolene suture to oversew this graft. Would we use an unlisted code for the Dacron graft conduit or would this be considered bundled to the procedure? Thanks

Vascular Mapping prior to AV fistula

We are getting conflicting information regarding pre vascular mapping prior to AV fistula. Pt presents to ASC for vascular mapping of bilateral extremities. IV access obtained in both hands, Arterial evaluation includes pulses, allen test and arterial size in radial, brachial and ulnar arteries. Vein mapping in Cephalic Vein, forearm, elbow, upper arm, Basilic vein, elbow and upper arms. Central Vein , SVC evaluated. Again this is documented bilaterally. Can we bill 93985, 93970, 36005, 36005-XS, 75822 and 75827. Thanks for your input

SMA stent - 37236 and attempted canalization of celiac artery - 36245-74?

Dr. Z,

An SMA stenting was performed (documentation not included) then the attempted work in the celiac artery. 37236 for the SMA stent. We're considering 36245-74 but not certain that is the correct way to bill it. Please advise.

Thank you

1. Right common femoral artery percutaneous access

2. Stenting of SMA

3. Selective celiac artery catheterization

I proceeded with attempts at canalizing the existing celiac artery stent. Using several different catheters I was able to get the angled glidewire to engage the celiac artery. I was not able to get the catheter to advance more than 1 to 2 mm into the artery itself and there was a question of whether the guidewire was actually going through the interstices of the stent or through the end of the stent itself. The attempts at canalizing this were successful several times but I was never able to advance a catheter through the interstices and after 40 minutes of fluoro time had been used I ceased efforts at recanalizing the celiac artery. Therefore, the guidewire and catheters were removed.

Ultrasound Breast Biopsy with Axilla Ultrasound and Mammogram

We wanted to clarify. Patient came in for bilateral masses biopsy due to bilateral masses noted on diagnostic imaging recently. MD first performed targeted bilateral axilla ultrasound and findings are normal lymph nodes, no adenopathy, fluid collection or masses. Then bilateral breast biopsy under ultrasound guidance was performed followed by mammogram. Our questions are, can we bill 76882 -LT, RT for the bilateral axilla ultrasound. Also can we bill for mammogram as well? MD didn't specify what kind of imaging was performed prior to patient coming in for biopsy. Can we report 77066 for bilateral mammograms? Thanks!

93622 Supportive vs Diagnostic

Patient presents for PVI ablation for persistent A-fib. TEE is performed, and RT atrium is mapped. Next (before TS puncture or any ablations are done) "Left ventricuclar pacing and recording was performed via the coronary sinus... to augment hemodynamic stability as opposed to RV pacing and to provide catheter stability during atrial fibrillation." This sounds suspiciously like a supportive measure to me, rather than diagnostic. No findings from the LT ventricle recordings are documented in the report, and VT is not documented either, although the patient does have a history of NSVT. Do you believe that the text I have quoted supports reporting 93622?

CT guided aspiration pelvic cystic mass

"Localized prone CT scans were obtained through the left pelvic cystic mass in suitable left transgluteal entry site was selected, marked and prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion. 1% lidocaine was administered and stab incision made with a #11 blade. Utilizing intermittent CT fluoroscopy, a 5 French centesis catheter was advanced into the mass with 20 cc of serous fluid aspirated, sent for cytology, as requested. There were no adverse incidence.

IMPRESSION: CT-guided aspiration of left cystic pelvic mass."

Would this be coded with 49180 or 10160? Diagnosis reported for biopsy would be the pre-procedure diagnosis or the post-procedure diagnosis per the pathology report?

Submitting 92921 Correctly

We bill code 92921 often, and we always get denied because this is a status code B charge. We typically write off the charge when we get the denial, but is there a better work flow for this? How should we submit this charge on claim form 1500? Do we need to submit it with a zero dollar amount since we know we wont get paid any way?

Pull down cryo ballon ablation

Our physician does a pulmonary vein ablation followed by a bilateral carina ablation using "pulldown of the cryo balloon". Can we report code 93567? He does not indicate anything about the patient remaining in Afib. I am thinking we cannot charge.

Temporary PPM Removal

Since there isn't a code for temporary PPM removal, how are we to code (or can we code) this since that is the only thing being done during the encounter (usually at bedside)? There seems to be some confusion among my providers because some are wanting to report code 33234, but I don't think we can do that since it's a "temporary" PPM lead. Any guidance to help with provider education would be most helpful.

Revascularizing the aorto-iliac bifurcation because of occlusive disease

Devices used - Bifurcated stent graft - Access sheaths (15F, 7F)- cutdown- Diagnosis is not aneurysm. Can we report w a non-aneurysm diagnosis? revascularizing the aorto-iliac bifurcation because of occlusive disease at the aorto-iliac bifurcation, using a single unibody device . There is no repair of the infrarenal aorta. 34705?

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