June 30, 2022 Question: Does it matter that the open exposure codes are now add-on codes? Does that change payment or coding in any way? Answer: Yes, this change has both coding and payment implications. In terms of coding, the open exposure codes can now only be reported with a primary code; the main body...
June 16, 2022 Question: I almost always use a 12 French or larger catheter for placing the main body for EVAR. Do I always bill the new code 34713, when what I use is a 12 French or larger? Answer: Yes, if your approach/exposure is percutaneous. CPT code +34713, Percutaneous access and closure of femoral...
June 2, 2022 Question: Now that we aren’t limited to HIPAA compliant software, can we use any app or platform to conduct a telemedicine visit? Answer: During the public health emergency (PHE), you may use any app or platform that is not “public facing” according to HHS. Platforms such as Facebook Live, Twitch, and TikTok...
May 19, 2022 Question: I’m confused about how to code the catheterization with the new EVAR codes. We still do a bilateral catheterization of the aorta. Can we code 36200 bilaterally? Answer: The new EVAR codes, updated and completely changed in 2018, bundle the aorta catheterization with the main body placement, so 36200, non-selective arterial...
May 5, 2022 Question: We have an office-based vein center and have heard that something called LCDs should be followed before a procedure is performed. We’re not sure what these are or if they are important—if so, how do we integrate them into our office processes? Answer: An LCD is a Local Coverage Determination. These...
April 21, 2022 Question: Can we bill the 92242 for the indocyanine green injection intraoperatively, for example to assess perfusion after a procedure? Can we bill for the injection using 15860? Answer: No, this service is included in primary surgery and not separately reported. *This response is based on the best information available as of...
April 7, 2022 Question: I’m a general surgeon. Some of my team are reporting the negative pressure wound therapy codes 97605 and 97606 when applying wound vacs after closing at the completion of their surgical cases. As a result, I am told by my coders that billing for these wound vacs is not appropriate, since...
March 24, 2022 Question: Are there any vascular CPT codes that still allow separate reporting of selective and non-selective catheterization codes? Answer: Yes, the following procedures still allow separate reporting of catheterization codes Non- lower extremely, stenting, angioplasty, for example subclavian or renal arteries Peripheral embolization, for example hypogastric artery embolization during EVAR or uterine...
March 10, 2022 Question: Is catheterization separately reported with renal angiograms? Answer: No. The renal angiogram codes, see table below, include all catheterization. The codes are selected by order of catheterization and as unilateral or bilateral. Also, remember that a flush aortogram is included in the renal angiogram codes and not separately reported. CPT Code...
February 24, 2022 Question: Is angiogram of the iliac arteries reported with the pelvic angiogram code, 75736? Answer: No, code 75736, Angiography, pelvis, selective or supraselective is only reported with selective or supraselective catheterization of the internal iliac arteries (hypogastric arteries) and interpretation of pelvic vasculature. For non-selective angiography of the common or external iliac...
