General Surgery Coding Alert

Question: Our surgeon injected contrast into a cyst via a previously-placed catheter to evaluate the morphology and expansion of the cyst. How can we report these services?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: For cyst assessments using contrast injections, you report code 49424 (Contrast injection for assessment of abscess or cyst via previously placed drainage catheter or tube [separate procedure]). To check the anatomy of the cyst via an existing catheter, your surgeon may use contrast injections and then obtain radiological images. This approach helps the physician to check the extent of expansion and change in volume and appearance of the cyst.

Tip: Additionally, you may look at code 76080 (Radiologic examination, abscess, fistula or sinus tract study, radiological supervision and interpretation) for the radiological supervision and interpretation services that your/another physician provides.