Advanced Search

Cardiology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Bundling Codes

Published on Sat Jul 01, 2000

Question: The cardiologist performs a right and left cath (93526), pacemaker insertion (33210), left ventricular angiogram (93543), cor angio (93545) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP, 93536), followed by a PTCA (92982) and stent placement (92980) on a patient with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (MI). CPT code is a component of codes 93526, 92982 and 92980. Would it trigger an audit if I use modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) to bill for codes 93555 (radiology code for left ventricular angiogram), 93556 (radiology code for cor angio) and 33210 (pacemaker insertion)? And is it correct to unbundle 33210 from its comprehensive codes?

Cecilia Lindsey
Medical College of Virginia
Richmond, Va.


Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.








Answer: If the cath was performed initially, and as a result of the findings of that cath the PTCA was performed, then it would be appropriate to use the -59 modifier on the 93555 and 93556, says Susan Callaway-Stradley, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding and reimbursement specialist in North Augusta, S.C. It would not be appropriate, however, to use a -59 on the 33210, she says. Because the 33210 is a separate procedure, it is considered integral to the other procedures performed during that session.


Other Articles in this issue of

Cardiology Coding Alert

View All