Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

36569 Suffices for Attempt and Final Insertion

Question: The physician began an encounter trying to insert a Swan Ganz catheter but decided to insert a PICC instead. Should we report 93503-52 with 36569?Ohio SubscriberAnswer: For this encounter, you should report only 36569 (Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter [PICC], without subcutaneous port or pump; age 5 years or older).Support: "If a physician does not complete the insertion of one type of catheter and subsequently inserts another at the same patient encounter, only the completed procedure may be reported," according to the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) manual, chapter 11, section I.23. "CPT® code 93503 (insertion and placement of flow directed catheter (e.g., Swan Ganz)) should not be reported with CPT® codes 36555-36556 (insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter) or CPT® codes 36568-36569 (insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter) for the insertion of a single catheter."Note that if the patient required both the Swan-Ganz and [...]
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

Radiology Coding Alert

View All