Inpatient Facility Coding & Compliance Alert

Many healthcare professionals can place PICC lines (peripherally inserted central venous catheters) for patients in a hospital setting. Coding from a physician standpoint depends on who inserts the line. When you're billing from the facility side, however, remember that your coding doesn't change, no matter which professional inserts the line (MD, RN, NP, PA, or CNS). Be sure to capture every component of the service: •PICC line insertion – Report 36568 (Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), without subcutaneous port or pump; younger than 5 years of age) or 36569 (... age 5 years or older) for the procedure, based on the patient's age. •Ultrasound guidance – Providers often will use ultrasound guidance when placing the PICC line to ensure it ends at the correct place. Some payers or facilities require guidance, so check the applicable guidelines. You'll report add-on code +76937 (Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring [...]