ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
49080* vs. 49420*
Gloria Peterson
Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Sheboygan, Wis.
Answer: There are several differences between the two codes. First, 49080* (peritoneocentesis, abdominal paracentesis, or peritoneal lavage [diagnostic or therapeutic]; initial) is usually performed to drain fluid for treatment or evaluation (i.e., reducing a buildup of fluid or analyzing it for the presence of blood) and then the drain is removed. It is performed with a small tube or needle.
Code 49420* (insertion of intraperitoneal cannula or catheter for drainage or dialysis; temporary) represents a procedure that can be used, among other things, for lavage, but is usually placed with the expectation that the service will be used for a longer period of time (over a period of hours, days or longer). A cannula, which is a larger-diameter tube, is placed through an incision and remains to perform functions such as dialysis or drainage that require a longer period of time to be effective, usually due to continued buildup of fluid.
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