Prevent refund requests by understanding proper coding for TP trunk services. If you've got a handle on the new iliac and femoral/popliteal revascularization codes, you're on your way to mastering the tibial/peroneal codes, as well. But this last group has rules all its own. Here's what you need to know. Reminder: Initial/Additional Designation Is Key to Accuracy The new tibial/peroneal service codes are below. Note that all of the codes include angioplasty in the same vessel when that service is performed. Initial vessel: Additional vessel: Remember: Consider These Services Included in the New Codes As explained in previous issues of Radiology Coding Alert, CPT guidelines state that -- in addition to the intervention performed -- the codes include: But remember: Count Vessels Carefully -- Especially TP Trunk The new revascularization codes (37220-+37235) apply to different "territories," which each have distinct guidelines. Codes 37228-+37235 fall under the tibial/peroneal vascular territory. Sean P. Roddy, MD, FACS, AMA CPT advisory committee member, and Gary R. Seabrook, MD, AMA/specialty society relative value scale update committee member, prepared a presentation on the new codes for the AMA's CPT and RBRVS 2011 Annual Symposium in Chicago. They noted that the tibial/ peroneal arteries include: As you can see, this list equates to three vessels in each leg for the tibial/peroneal territory. Because you may report one code per vessel, you may use one initial code and up to two add-on codes per leg (for a total of three vessels). The three-vessel approach is similar to the iliac territory, but it differs from the femoral/popliteal territory, which counts as a single vessel for coding. Keep in mind that -- because the codes apply per vessel -- you should not report add-on codes for additional lesions treated in a single vessel. CPT is very clear that "when more than one stent is placed in the same vessel, the code should be reported only once." In addition, in some cases, a lesion may extend from one artery into another. If the radiologist can treat that lesion with a single intervention, then you should choose a single code to report that service. Mark this: Master Coding for 2 Legs or 2 Territories The new revascularization codes are unilateral, which means they apply to a service on a single side of the body. CPT indicates that if the physician treats the identical territory (such as tibial/peroneal) in both legs at the same session, you should use modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to show both legs are involved. But watch out for payers' modifier preferences. Some may prefer you to use modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure), modifiers RT (Right side) and LT (Left side), or some combination of modifiers for procedures on both legs. On the other hand: Apply the Tibial/Peroneal Lessons to This Example The Roddy and Seabrook presentation included a sample case in which a patient has a three-vessel tibial artery occlusion proven by angiography. The physician uses antegrade femoral access and selectively catheterizes the AT, PT, and peroneal arteries. He performs atherectomy in the TP trunk and the AT, PT, and peroneal arteries. He then performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the same vessels. Solution: Note the use of modifier 59 on the second atherectomy code to make it clear that it is a distinct service in a separate vessel. Remember that you will not report every service performed using a separate code. You should bundle the TP trunk atherectomy into the peroneal or PT intervention. You also should not code selective catheterization or angioplasty separately.
37228 -- Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, tibial/peroneal artery, unilateral, initial vessel; with transluminal angioplasty
+37232 -- Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, tibial/peroneal artery, unilateral, each additional vessel; with transluminal angioplasty (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) (use with 37228-37231)