July 16, 2015

Question:

I embolized a neck tumor through two separate arteries (the right inferior thyroid artery as well as the left inferior thyroid artery). Do I code 61626 once or twice? Also, I performed follow-up angiography twice so can I bill 75898-26 x 2 or just once?

Answer:

Good questions! CPT 61626 is reported once in your situation because there was only one tumor, or surgical site. As for the follow-up angiography, CPT guidelines allow reporting 75898 per follow-up angiography performed and documented so you may bill it twice. That said, some payers, including Medicare, allow payment of only one unit.