READER QUESTIONS:
Remember Component Coding for IVC Filter
Published on Fri Jan 23, 2009
Question: Which codes are appropriate for a Greenfield filter implant? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: The Greenfield filter is a common inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. There's more than one component to the placement, so be sure you code only those services your cardiologist performs and documents. The appropriate surgical code for placement is 37620 (Interruption, partial or complete, of inferior vena cava by suture, ligation, plication, clip, extravascular, intravascular [umbrella device]). AMA's CPT Assistant (May 2001) states that you also may report 36010 (Introduction of catheter, superior or inferior vena cava) for catheterization performed before IVC filter deployment. For radiological supervision and interpretation, report 75940 (Percutaneous placement of IVC filter, radiological supervision and interpretation). Remember to append modifier 26 (Professional component) if the cardiologist is not claiming the technical component. Note that Correct Coding Initiative edits bundle 75825 (Venography, caval, inferior, with serialography,radiological supervision and interpretation) into 75940. "Radiology" section notes [...]