Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Demystify Declotting Code

Published on Thu Mar 01, 2007

Question: Can I report 36550 for declotting a catheter using Activase after nurses couldn't get a blood return from a port? The nursing staff told me this is separate from accessing a chemo infusion site.

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: You should be able to report 36550 (Declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter) for this declotting service.
Key: Activase is a thrombolytic agent. The descriptor says, -by thrombolytic agent,- so if the provider didn't use a thrombolytic agent, you could not use this code.
You should also let the clinical staff know to clearly docaument this procedure in the patient's medical record
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All