ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: At our facility, we use a supply charge for Foley catheters if they are placed in the ED and sent home. However, we don't code them for the physicians because we include the Foley catheter placement in our E/M level charge. Is this correct?

Washington, D.C., Subscriber

Answer: Foley catheter placement is separately billable if the documentation reflects the medical necessity for the physician placing the catheter and a procedure note. You could also appropriately report an evaluation and management service, if that service were separately identifiable.