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Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Equate Pseudoaneurysm With Aneurysm for Dx

Published on Wed Mar 23, 2005

Question: My cardiologist documented a "pseudoaneurysm." What is it, and which diagnosis code should I use?

Washington Subscriber Answer: A pseudoaneurysm is also known as a "false aneurysm." An artery dilates with actual disruption of one or more layers of its walls, rather than with the expansion of all wall layers. The most common cause of this condition is penetrating trauma.       For a diagnosis code, check the aneurysm section of your ICD-9 book. For example, if this aneurysm is located in the femoral, you should use 442.3 (Other aneurysm of artery of lower extremity).  - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were prepared with the assistance of Jim Collins, ACS-CA, CHCC, CPC, CEO of the Cardiology Coalition and compliance manager for several cardiology groups around the country; and reviewed by Jerome Williams Jr., MD, FACC, a cardiologist with Mid Carolina Cardiology in Charlotte, N.C.
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