Cardiology Coding Alert
Highlight ICE Catheterizations
Question: Virginia Subscriber Answer: You should use 93580 (Percutaneous transcatheter closure of congenital interatrial communication [i.e., Fontan fenestration, atrial septal defect] with implant) for the PFO/ASD closure. - Be sure to check the operative report to see if your cardiologist also used an intracardiac echo (ICE) catheter for guidance. ICE is an imaging service that gives the doctor diagnostic information and anatomic landmarks to help guide the procedure. You shouldn't view this service as being automatic, but your cardiologist could use it as an aid. If so, you would report it as +93662-26 (Intracardiac echocardiography during therapeutic/ diagnostic intervention, including imaging supervision and interpretation [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]; professional component).
Cardiology Coding Alert
- Refresher Course:
Simplify Stress Test Claims by Reviewing Indications and Documentation Hazards
Tip: Make sure your physician documents direct supervisionYou may think you've got stress test coding [...] - Take a Stress Test Claim Checkup
You know cardiovascular stress tests are common procedures, but you may find obtaining correct payment [...] - Coding From the Doctor's Note:
Nix Nuclear Medicine Coding Mistakes Once and for All
You must have this documentation to report 78478, 78480Are you reporting all the nuclear medicine [...] - Zero In on These Exercise Stress Test Descriptions
Here's why cardiologists use adenosine for MI patientsWhat it is: Cardiologists perform cardiovascular stress testing, [...] - Maximize Mod 59 Payment by Following CPT 2008 Guidelines
Ask, 'Did intervention occur on different coronary artery?'If you're still treating modifier 59 as a [...] - You Be the Coder:
Master MI's Fifth Digit With This Advice
Question: I'm confused about the fifth digits I should apply to myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosis [...] - Reader Questions:
Decipher Private-Payer Mystery Edits
Question: I follow Correct Coding Initiative edits, but some insurers don't follow these guidelines. Why [...] - Reader Questions:
Report CVP Line Separately From Left Heart Cath
Question: A physician placed a central venous pressure (CVP) line in one of the jugular [...] - Reader Questions:
You Can Rely on Signs and Symptoms
Question: My doctor often uses a diagnosis of evaluation of left ventricle (LV) function or [...] - Reader Questions:
Highlight ICE Catheterizations
Question: What are the CPT codes for patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect [...] - Reader Questions:
Attach Modifier 53 to Failed LV Lead Attempt
Question: If my cardiologist attempts to place an LV lead and fails, should I report [...]
