Reader questions:
Shunt Tap Billing During Global Is OK
Published on Sat Jan 23, 2010
Question: Can we bill a shunt tap for an inpatient within the global period for the shunt placement? If so, what should we report? North Carolina Subscriber Answer: Yes, you can code for a shunt tap even if it's within the shunt placement's global period. Report 61070 (Puncture of shunt tubing or reservoir for aspiration or injection procedure). Don't miss: You should also report 75809 (Shuntogram for investigation of previously placed indwelling nonvascular shunt [e.g., Leveen shunt, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, indwelling infusion pump], radiological supervision and interpretation) for the procedure's supervision and interpretation, if the neurosurgeon performed that aspect of the service.
