Pulmonology Coding Alert

Needle or catheter guide your code selectionYou'll find reporting thoracentesis an arduous task as there are two different codes for this procedure. To make it easier, you should always follow what procedure was done and not the cause of the effusion. Follow these simple rules for accurate code selection -- and rightful reimbursement. Refresh Your Procedure Knowledge Thoracentesis, also called thoracocentesis or pleural tap, is a procedure done under local anesthesia to remove fluid or air present in the pleural space. Fluid may collect in the pleural space due to conditions like pneumonia, congestive heart failure, recent surgical procedure, cancer, or tuberculosis. The removal of the fluid could be done either for diagnosis of the condition that has caused it or for therapeutic reasons to relieve the discomfort of the patient. The removal of the fluid improves the lung function. Watch Overuse of 32421The clinical note may specify that the [...]