Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What code do I use for a Groshong catheter placement? I am not sure whether the physician used tunneled or peripheral insertion.

Wisconsin Subscriber
 
Answer: The correct answer depends on the physician's involvement in the case. If he provided anesthesia while another physician placed the catheter, report 00532 (Anesthesia for access to central venous circulation). If your physician placed the catheter, learn whether the placement included a subcutaneous port to help determine the correct code.

For Groshong catheters without a subcutaneous port or pump, report either 36557 (Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump; under 5 years of age) or 36558 (... age 5 years or older). If it does include a subcutaneous port, code it with 36560 (Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port; under 5 years of age) or 36561 (... age 5 years or older).