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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Code 01844 Applies to Cimino Fistula Procedure

Published on Sat Mar 01, 2003

Question: What is a Cimino fistula, and how should I code for it? Nevada Subscriber Answer: A Cimino fistula (also known as a Brescia-Cimino fistula) is a shunt or fistula used for dialysis. You should code it with 36830 (Creation of arteri-ovenous fistula by other than direct arteriovenous anastomosis [separate procedure]; nonautogenous graft) or with anesthesia code 01844 (Anesthesia for vascular shunt, or shunt revision, any type [e.g., dialysis]), depending on whether the carrier requests surgical or anesthesia codes.  
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