Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Multiple Procedures Don't Always Mean Multiple Codes

Published on Sun Nov 18, 2007

Question: Our cardiologist's op report lists the following services:

1. removal of atrial and ventricular pacemaker leads
2. removal of pulse generator
3. debridement of infected pocket and removal of necrotic tissue
4. closure of facial layers
5. Jackson-Pratt drain place via trocar

How should I code this?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: You'll code the removal of the generator and leads with 33233 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator) and 33235 (Removal of transvenous pacemaker electrode[s]; dual lead system). You should consider everything else you listed as included in these two codes.

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