Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Which codes should I use to report radiologic imaging for PICC line placement?

South Carolina Subscriber

Answer: When your physician documents that he performed radiologic imaging for PICC line placement, report one of the following codes, depending on whether the guidance is fluoroscopic or by ultrasound:

 - +75998 -- Fluoroscopic guidance for central venous access device placement, replacement (catheter only or complete), or removal (includes fluoroscopic guidance for vascular access and catheter manipulation, any necessary contrast injections through access site or catheter with related venography radiologic supervision and
 interpretation, and radiographic documentation of final catheter position) (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
 
- +76937 -- Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring ultrasound evaluation of potential access sites, documentation of selected vessel patency, concurrent realtime ultrasound visualization of vascular needle entry, with permanent recording and reporting (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

Remember: The code you use for the PICC insertion depends on the patient's age. If the patient is younger than 5, report 36568 (Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter [PICC], without subcutaneous port or pump; under 5 years of age). If the patient is 5 or older, report 36569 (... age 5 years or older).