Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: I am new to cardiology coding and don’t fully understand code 75630. Can you please help me out?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: With a 75630 (Aortography, abdominal plus bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity, catheter, by serialography, radiological supervision and interpretation) service, the cardiologist performs radiologic imaging with the catheter positioned in the upper abdominal aorta at the level of the renal arteries, explains Christina Neighbors, MA, CPC, CCC, Coding Quality Auditor for Conifer Health Solutions, Coding Quality & Education Department, and member of AAPC’s Certified Cardiology Coder steering committee. A complete study of the abdominal aorta and extremities through at least the level of the iliofemoral arteries bilaterally in one fluid exam. Note: Unilateral extremity does not equate a bilateral run-off.

During this procedure, the cardiologist injects a contrast medium through a catheter within the upper aorta at the level of the renal arteries. The cardiologist takes continuous films of the contrast flow through the abdominal aorta and bilateral extremities. When the cardiologist finishes the procedure, he removes the catheter and sutures the incision site. This procedure may be performed during a heart catheterization or by itself. When performed during a heart catheterization, it’s usually due to possible AAA and reported with 75625 (Aortography, abdominal, by serialography, radiological supervision and interpretation) due to the bilateral iliofemoral extremities are not examined. It’s extremely rare to report 75630 with a heart catheterization.

Note: High (abdominal aorta) and low (aortic bifurcation) catheter positions studying full and complete exams of both the abdominal aorta and bilateral lower extremities is reported with 75625 and 75716 (Angiography, extremity, bilateral, radiological supervision and interpretation). Examples: Pull-back injections and/or multiple injections studying past the common femoral arteries bilaterally.

Don’t miss: Code 75630 represents either the technical component for a facility or the professional component (modifier 26) for a provider. The physician who performs the imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure should report this code.